Councilman William K. Greenlee and Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez presented a resolution honoring the 15th Anniversary of the Philadelphia 76ers La Liga Del Barrio (Neighborhood League) during a City Council hearing on March 26.

The Philadelphia 76ers La Liga del Barrio, Philadelphia's first Latino youth basketball league, was founded in 2000 with the help of former Councilman Angel Ortiz, the Philadelphia 76ers, and Latino sports enthusiasts and educators.

The goal of the league to use basketball as a way to engage inner-city youth in organized after-school activities and to promote educational achievement. Since its start 15 years ago, the league has expanded to 32 teams of boys and girls between the ages of 6-18 years old.

“It gives me great pride to honor and recognize the 15 years of service by La Liga Del Barrio and the crucial opportunities and mentorship they have offered the Latino youth” Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez said.

The council people were joined by La Liga Del Barrio kids, 76ers Mascot Franklin, and Power 99FM’s Mina Saywhat, a league ambassador, for the resolution presentation.

“To see the successful partnership between the community and the 76ers illustrates how people can work together to make great things happen” Councilman Greenlee said.