Cooke Launches Youth Sports Initiative, Plans May 31 ‘Sunday Fun Day’
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Demetric Cooke at Baker Street Park, where he plans to host a “Sunday Fun Day” on May 31 to launch his youth sports and outreach initiative in Water Valley.
WATER VALLEY — A Water Valley native is turning his passion for sports and mentorship into a growing community effort, with a kickoff event planned at Baker Street Park.
Demetric Cooke, a 2012 Water Valley High School graduate, is organizing a “Sunday Fun Day” on May 31 as the official launch of his youth sports and outreach initiative.
The event will feature a 4-on-4 basketball tournament with a cash prize, along with activities for families including bounce houses, water slides, a bake sale and car wash. The event will be held at Baker Street Park, with a $50 entry fee per team for the tournament.
Cooke said the event is designed to be both a fundraiser and a way to bring the community together.
“It’s about more than just sports,” Cooke said. “It’s about giving kids opportunities and building something positive here at home.”
The initiative operates through Cooke’s business, Athletic Training LLC, along with a nonprofit component he launched, Yalobusha Community Outreach. Together, the two efforts focus on youth development through sports training, mentorship and character-building.
Cooke said the long-term goal is to establish a multi-sport training facility that would serve Water Valley and surrounding communities.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “We want to build something that can grow and reach more kids.”
Through the program, Cooke plans to offer skill development in multiple sports, along with mentorship that emphasizes discipline, confidence and work ethic both on and off the court.
He said making the program affordable is a priority, noting that cost often prevents young athletes from accessing additional training opportunities.
“A lot of kids don’t get the chance because of money,” he said. “We want to make sure that’s not the reason they miss out.”
Cooke said his vision is shaped by his own experiences growing up in Water Valley, where he found direction through sports.
“I had to make changes in my life,” he said. “Now I want to use what I’ve learned to help the next group coming up.”
The May 31 event represents the first major step in that process, with proceeds helping fund future programming and facility development.
Cooke said community support will be key as the effort grows, and he is encouraging residents, businesses and families to get involved.
“We’re starting right here in Water Valley,” he said. “This is home, and I want to build something that gives back to it.”
For more information about the event or to register a team, contact Cooke at 662-801-7464.
