The West Maui Summer Basketball League was formed after programs were canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

LAHAINA — The Ohana Maui Youth Foundation represents the deep dedication of the West Side community to nurture the succeeding generations in a positive way.

Led by a deeply connected board of directors, the foundation focuses on core principals of mentoring, athletics, and cultural and agricultural services for the youth of the Maui community.

The familiar names of Chairman of the Board Judson McCall-Nagasako, President Seamus Murphy, Vice-chair Leipua Puloka, Secretary Martina Nagasako and Treasurer Rodney Borromeo form the leadership body of the organization.

Program Directors include Cliffane Casco, Lee Aaron Yap and Ferdinand Palma.

The athletic programs of the organization include West Maui Summer Basketball and NXT Level Flag Football, which have provided the youth of the West Side with a safe environment to enjoy athletics and stay active.

Through these programs, the participants get to travel and gain exposure and scholarship opportunities as well.

The West Maui Summer Basketball League was formed to fill the void left after the COVID-19 years had shuttered the programs that had enriched the West Side family experience for decades.

There were very few affordable athletic opportunities available for Lahaina students.

The goal of the program is for the participants of all ages to gain a foundational understanding of the sport and experience real game play while forging bonds with others within the community.

There are currently 150 enrolled participants forming 12 teams. Games and events will take place throughout the month of August. All foundation programs are 100 percent volunteer-run, and the basketball league has over 20 coaches and 30 youth mentors.

Many of the youth mentors are individuals who have grown up as participants in the program and have decided to give back, which is the ultimate goal of the organization: to mentor the youth to be valuable members of the community.

Without the support of the Maui community, programs like West Maui Summer Basketball would not be possible.

The Ohana Maui Youth Foundation thanks all of the individuals who have volunteered their time to coach and mentor the youth of Maui.

Organizations and businesses that support the foundation include Kane’s Legacy, Z.E.L.M. Zero Emission Landscape Maintenance LLC, Down the Hatch, Duke’s Maui, E.C.M. Inc., Goodfellow Bros., Hawaii Petroleum, King Screenprinting, Living Maui Real Estate, VIP Foodservice, and The Davis Ohana.

The Ohana Maui Youth Foundation also promotes cultural and agricultural programs to further enhance the future of the West Side community.

Cultural experiences include ocean awareness, surfing, farming and understanding of Hawaiian history and the diverse cultures of Hawaii.

The youth agricultural perpetuation project in Launiupoko focuses on promoting sustainability, life skills development, and instilling values of giving within the community.

Thus far serving hundreds of West Side youth, the mission of the program is to teach students how to grow, harvest and share the fruits of labor with the community.

For more information, go to www.ohanamauiyouthfoundation.com, or e-mail to ohanamauiyouthfoundation@gmail.com.