Teens take on law enforcement

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Teen girls were taught the game of life by playing basketball with law enforcement officials Saturday afternoon.

The game took place at the Lambert’s Point Community Center in Norfolk, where 12 and 13-year-old girls took on the women of the Norfolk Police Department as well as the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office.

Old Dominion Police also participated.

Organizers say they hope the players net positive experiences from role models and learn officers and deputies are always there for them. And if you talk with the players, it’s clear they’re getting the message.

“If you start interacting with the police, you start to realize they’re not the bad guys,” Makayla Nichols told WAVY.com. “They’re the good guys trying to help you out.”

Coach Willie Ward, Jr. said a police officer approached him when he was a child in Norfolk and asked him to play basketball. Ward said that caring gesture saved his life.

“It develops respect between both the young and the told, and you’re never too old to play this game,” Ward said.