Three dozen youth in the secure custody of the State of Illinois showed off their hoops skills this spring during the inaugural “FLEX Lloyd Tournament of Champions” basketball tournament at Northern Illinois University’s Anderson Hall.

And, between the whistles, they enjoyed another chance to glimpse what life could look like through making different and better choices.

Realizations of possibilities came in the moment: “A lot of people didn’t believe in us,” one player said, “and we ended up proving the haters wrong.”

Organized by NIU Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education faculty members and associate professors Jenn Jacobs and Zach Wahl-Alexander, the Project FLEX (Fitness, Leadership, EXperience) competition in DeKalb expanded years of programming designed to help the young people develop positive habits for post-release success.

Five Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) facilities – Chicago, Pere Marquette, Harrisburg, PEACE Center at St. Charles and Warrenville – sent teams to field an eight-squad bracket that also included three lineups of NIU students.

Youth were chosen for the IDJJ teams based on a record of good behavior, staff recommendations and an interest in participating. IDJJ staff served as coaches for the teams, holding practices for the weeks leading up to the tournament and working to obtain uniforms and shoes for the teams.

Approximately 45 IDJJ staff members traveled to DeKalb to coach, cheer, assist and ensure safety protocols remained in place. Tommie Meyers, who manages several travel basketball teams in the Chicago area, donated 20 pairs of basketball shoes for youth who needed them.

NIU’s Mission II, a purebred Siberian Husky, attended the tournament so youth and staff could pet him before the kickoff of the tournament. Victor E. Huskie, the NIU mascot, also provided photo opportunities for youth and staff.

Following three rounds of spirited and full-court play accompanied by a steady soundtrack of hip-hop music, the St. Charles Phoenix Emerging Adult Career and Education (PEACE) Center climbed to the top.

It was just as confidently predicted by one athlete from that facility who reported that he and his teammates worked hard to prepare for the tournament, showed dedication to make their mothers proud and, as a result, would leave NIU with the trophy.

He and his counterparts definitely made Jacobs and Wahl-Alexander proud.

“It was cool to see some of them just zoom out of being an incarcerated person and just feel like a normal kid, and I think it was the exact opportunity where they got to feel like a high school kid for the first time,” Jacobs said. “The thing I’m most excited about is that the kids rose to the occasion, because they were the ones who could have made or broken the experience – and they just crushed it.”

“We’re trying to provide these real-world experiences for the kids – these realistic opportunities that they would have if they weren’t incarcerated,” Wahl-Alexander added, “and I think that as we’ve gotten more comfortable, and as the facility has given us more flexibility and freedom, we’ve started to push the boundaries a bit.”

Rob Vickery, acting director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, came to watch with hopes of seeing “a lot of fun, a lot of laughter, a lot of smiles” and “competitiveness that is appropriate, positive and all in good fun.”

Vickery has appreciated Project FLEX’s philosophy in action with the Chicago, St. Charles and Warrenville facilities.

Project FLEX and IDJJ began their partnership in 2018 at the St. Charles youth center, using sports to make a positive impact on the lives of incarcerated youth. FLEX now operates multiple programs in three IDJJ facilities, including an initiative that helps high school graduates at the PEACE Center to become certified personal trainers.

“We try to offer as many normal opportunities that the youth would have in regular schools and, even though they’re in our custody, we’re going to have as many opportunities as possible for them to engage in athletics and other competition,” Vickery said.

“What’s so cool about Project FLEX in particular is, yes, they’re doing sports activities, but underlying all of that is really a focus on building life skills; building a capacity to set goals and work toward them; building a capacity to work through frustrations,” he added. “This is a culminating event where they’re able to apply all the skills.”

Sean T. Frazier, NIU vice president/director of Athletics and Recreation, set an affirmational tone with a motivational speech immediately before the games began.

“This is really special for me for a lot of different reasons,” Frazier told the IDJJ youth. “I wouldn’t be standing here today if I didn’t have a chance, through athletics, to get a scholarship to go on to college. Thank the Lord I was able to do that, or I would basically be that statistic.”

Sean T. Frazier (center), with Jenn Jacobs and Zach Wahl-Alexander, delivered the keynote address.

Frazier said his mother, a single parent, “had to work three or four jobs just to put some food on our table” in Queens, New York.

Her effort provided a powerful example, he said, adding that he accepted FLEX’s invitation to speak to pay forward that gift by encouraging the youth to make the most of the opportunity they were given.

“One of the things that always struck me going through the process is that she always believed that I was going to be able to get something done. I really appreciate her to this day. I get choked up thinking about the things that she had to do for me to be in the position that I am,” he said.

“You can do whatever you want to do. It’s up to you to make the commitment and to have the discipline to make it happen,” he added. “You’ve got people here that are going to help you … and if I can be that person, please come on over to the Athletics department. I’d love to have that conversation.”

For Jacobs and Wahl-Alexander, the first-time event’s success was confirmed by the campus visitors; several IDJJ staff members told the professors that “this is my favorite day on the job ever.”

“I do want to credit our supporters. Rob Vickery and the IDJJ are just visionaries, and it takes courage to say yes to things that have not done before,” Jacobs said. “I think it’s reflective of a positive partnership. We’re delivering on our outcomes, keeping the kids safe and helping them grow.”

“To our knowledge, these types of things don’t occur in the United States,” Wahl-Alexander said, “but, hopefully, this is maybe a sign of things to come.”

St. Anthony Lloyd, IDJJ Leisure Time Activities supervisor, agrees.

Lloyd was instrumental in all aspects of planning and coordinating the tournament and served as the primary liaison between the department and Project FLEX, which he calls “a phenomenal partner.”

“For me, this tournament was about more than basketball. I truly believe that when we unite for the benefit of our youth, success naturally follow,” he said. “While the games themselves were exciting, the true significance of the event lays in its power to bring people together in pursuit of a shared goal. Basketball just happened to be the catalyst.”

NIU students also played in the tournament, fielding three squads.

Such “meaningful experiences have the power to shift perspectives.”

“Outsiders will now see our youth as more than their past. IDJJ staff can now witness firsthand that positive outcomes are achievable when we work in unison. Most importantly, our youth will begin to believe that their current circumstances do not define their future – they are capable of achieving and experiencing greatness,” Lloyd said.

There is so much more potential ahead,” he added, “and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together in the future.”

He’s not alone.

“I like the feeling of how everyone played together and played well, with no problems,” one player said. “We should keep it going.”

Nike and the LEGO Group are kicking off their global multi-year partnership this summer with a series of immersive experiences and co-branded products designed to inspire kids everywhere to embrace the joy of active and creative play.

The partnership brings together the “Just Do It” spirit of Nike with the imaginative power of LEGO^® bricks to invite all kids into sport and play. Over the upcoming months, kids can enjoy the opportunity to engage in immersive experiences across different cities around the world, as well as a full collection of products, including LEGO sets and Nike footwear, apparel and accessories.

In addition, three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson will support the partnership by helping engage kids through a reimagined world of play that will come to life across digital channels. More information will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

“I have loved playing with LEGO bricks since I was a kid and know that my creativity and play helped me not only in sports but also at school and in life,” says Wilson, a Nike signature athlete. “I’m thrilled to be part of this partnership with Nike and the LEGO Group and know we can help to make a positive impact with kids and adults alike.” 

EXPERIENCES ROOTED IN ACTIVE AND CREATIVE PLAY

Both brands are committed to enabling access to active and creative play for communities around the world and have backed efforts for the United Nations to designate June 11 as the International Day of Play.

Over the coming months, Nike and the LEGO Group will bring play and fun to communities with unforgettable, experiential activations. From June 7–11, the Nike and LEGO Play Arena will be open to the public at LEGOLAND^® California Resort. At this basketball-themed experience, children and families can design their own LEGO Minifigure athlete trading card, showcase their creative spirit by building their very own mini basketball jersey, and test their skills by shooting for the ultimate three-pointer. Access to the Play Arena is included with general admission at LEGOLAND California Resort.

“Play has the incredible ability to inspire and spark creativity in every child, and at the LEGO Group, we truly believe in that power,” says Federico Begher, SVP, Product Group, New Businesses, LEGO Group. “We’re excited to kick off the first chapter of our partnership with Nike, blending the joy of basketball with the magic of imagination.”

Against the backdrop of summer football in Europe, fans are invited to take part in a creative world of play July 19–27 at Nike and the LEGO Group’s football activation in London. Families will be able to see and participate in programming geared toward kids that centers on and celebrates football, holding events in partnership with nonprofit organizations that will focus on building girls’ confidence.

“At Nike, we are dedicated to fueling the potential of kids through play,” says Cal Dowers, VP, Global Kids, NIKE, Inc. “Activating the full power of Nike — from athletes to our communities — helps us engage and inspire kids to experience the enjoyment of sport as a lifelong pursuit. Our partnership with the LEGO Group reinforces our commitment to inviting all kids to play.”

Nike employees around the world will also be able to celebrate the partnership through various on-campus events that help put play back into sport. Global employees based at the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., will learn how to become youth sport coaches. Employees will then be able to put their skills to action on June 11, when Nike will host kids from a local nonprofit organization for a day of sport as part of International Day of Play.

In Greater China, Nike will amplify the energy of the partnership across Shanghai, Beijing and other key cities with a number of co-branded community events and in-store displays and activations at the Shanghai House of Innovation. In the fall, Nike will unveil a multifunctional playground made of recycled shoes in Shanghai. Igniting active play in kids, the court is part of a commitment Nike made to build 100 Nike Grind courts across Greater China, with 42 already built as of this year, creating tangible social impact while helping ensure the future of the planet and sport.

“Nike is powering the future of youth sport — with the vision of an active, inclusive world that inspires all youth to play and achieve their greatest potential,” says Vanessa Garcia-Brito, VP and Chief Impact Officer, NIKE, Inc. “Through coaching, we can put the fun back into sport and welcome all youth to participate. Our goal is to give the next generation an opportunity to enjoy a lifetime of sport and movement and help make their dreams real.” 

WINNING PRODUCTS FOR KIDS

The first LEGO product goes on sale on July 1, with the LEGO Nike Dunk set. This 1,180-piece set, for LEGO fans ages 10 and up, features a Nike Dunk, rotatable brick basketball toy and iconic “Dunk” slogan that sports fans can build, rebuild and display. Hidden within the Nike Dunk model are stash compartments to safely store championship rings or other essentials, as well as extra laces for custom color swap-outs. Inspired by the iconic sneaker, first born and worn over 40 years ago, this set is a celebration of sneaker culture and LEGO creativity that blends the worlds of building and basketball. The set also comes with a unique basketball Minifigure, B’Ball Head. Additional LEGO sets will go on sale in September, with more information to be released this summer. 

The first Nike products will go on sale on August 1 with the Nike Air Max Dn x LEGO Collection as well as a line of apparel and accessories, followed on September 1 by the Nike Dunk Low x LEGO Collection and more, all celebrating the lifestyle of sport and play. The design of these products was inspired by the unique LEGO design aesthetic, from the iconic stud to the stylized LEGO Minifigure, combined with the power of sport culture and DNA that Nike brings. Additional Nike footwear and apparel will be unveiled through the fall. More information will be released at a later date.

The LEGO Nike Dunk set is now available for pre-order at LEGO.com/nike and will be available for all at LEGO.com/nike and LEGO Stores beginning July 1. Products will also be available via Nike channels, including in select Nike stores across the globe and via nike.com. 

The Nike Dunk Low x LEGO Collection and Nike Air Max Dn x LEGO Collection will be available across Nike channels, including nike.com and select retail partners. 

For more information, visit LEGO.com/nike or nike.com/lego.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The federal government is now entering the fight over transgender athletes participating in girls’ sports, with the U.S. Department of Justice investigating whether California is violating federal law by allowing it to happen.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said he believes the state is violating Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs that receive federal funding.

“Here in California, we have high schools and colleges and other institutions who are federally funded, who are discriminating against girls; allowing biological males to compete in their teams,” said Essayli.

The controversy exploded earlier this week, when President Trump blasted California lawmakers in a post on Truth Social, saying the state “continues to ILLEGALLY allow ‘MEN TO PLAY IN WOMEN’S SPORTS.'”

The President was referring to a transgender student from Jurupa Valley High School, AB Hernández, who took first place in CIF Section Finals last weekend in a girls track and field contest. Hernández will be competing in the CIF Finals this weekend in Clovis.

Essayli said biological female athletes’ rights are being violated by including transgender athletes in girls’ sports.

“They’re denying girls those opportunities, and that’s exactly what Title IX was designed to prohibit; to prohibit discrimination based on gender in athletics, and that’s what’s happening today.”

Essayli said the Department of Justice is also submitting a statement of interest in a different case pending in federal court, in which a lawsuit was filed by two students at King High School in Riverside.

One of the plaintiffs in that case claims she was demoted from the varsity track and field team to the junior varsity team when a transgender athlete took her spot.

“I feel like it definitely lessened my chances to be seen by college recruiters,” said plaintiff Taylor Starling in a previous interview with Eyewitness News. “It was definitely very disappointing to me that I did get removed from that varsity spot.”

But supporters of transgender rights disagree, saying there’s more to high school sports than simply competition.

“I think we got the point of what youth sports is about, which is, it’s about having our kids grow up healthy and happy with their peers,” said Jess Fitzpatrick with the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center.

“Being a part of a sports team is about physical health, it’s about being out there and making community and making friends, as well as competition.”

The CIF is also making changes to its rules to address the controversy, saying any biological female athlete who is bumped from the podium because of the participation of a transgender athlete will be awarded a medal anyway.

“On Friday, May 30, if necessary, in the high jump, triple jump and long jump qualifying events at the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships, a biological female student-athlete who would have earned the next qualifying mark will also be advanced to the finals,” said the CIF in a statement.

“Additionally, if necessary, in the high jump, triple jump and long jump events at the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships, a biological female student-athlete who would have earned a specific placement on the podium will also be awarded the medal for that place and the results will be reflected in the recording of the event.”