“EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO BASKETBALL”
Ball 4 All aims to assist youth, regardless of background, in reaching their full potential physically, cognitively and spiritually, through teaching the fundamentals of basketball.
Shake True Hoops is run by Steven “Shaker” Cuevas, a former European Pro player and member of the Guelph Gryphon Hall of Fame. The program aims to assists young players in reaching their full potential physically and cognitively while becoming better at a game they have grown to love.
Ball 4 All History
Steve “Shaker” Cuevas, founder of Shake True Hoops Basketball Development Services in Guelph, initiated Ball 4 All in 2007. He saw a growing need for access to skills programs for all who wished to participate, regardless of barriers of transportation and cost. In founding Ball 4 All, he sought to remove these barriers to access and provide high-level basketball training to those who were not previously able to attend his sessions.
Ball 4 All is made possible by partnerships with basketball courts and local businesses. In the summer, the program is held at Norm Jary Park. In the winter, programming is offered at various elementary schools in Guelph. MarketFresh, a local gourmet grocer, donates fresh fruit, and Domino’s provides pizza to keep participants fueled up during their training.
Recognition in the Community
In 2015, Steve Cuevas was recognized with a Guelph Mayor’s Award for his work on Ball 4 All.
Kids in the program learn lessons that extend well beyond the basketball court. They gain a sense of belonging, a yearning to participate, and the confidence to overcome obstacles and make good choices. They gain life skills that will help them succeed in the future. Stephen also helps older students develop into volunteer coaches and mentors. Through Ball 4 All, Stephen is building a healthier, safer, and more connected community.
Mayor Cam Guthrie, City of Guelph