A rising 14-year-old baseball prospect from the Dominican Republic drowned in a lagoon near one of the country’s top academies. 

The body of Gustavo Talmare, who hit four home runs to earn the 2024 Caribbean Kids Series MVP, was found dead 40 minutes from the academy on Saturday, according to Diaro Libre.

Talmare went missing after he went swimming in Guerra’s Laguna del Toro on Friday night, and rescue efforts spilled into the morning.

It remains unclear what happened, but a police investigation is underway. 

“I was devastated to learn about it,” Amaurys Nina, a prominent youth coach and the academy’s owner, told DeUltimoMinuto.com. “The body was recovered by a rescue organization, but I still don’t understand what it was doing there. The authorities are investigating what happened.”

Talmare, who had only lived at the academy for two months, was said to have struggled to swim after he was one of three academy students — from a group of five — who decided to leave the facility without permission and swim in the lagoon, academy officials told Diario Libre. 

Talamare went reaching for fruit in the lagoon and fell in, according to DeUltimoMinuto.com.

One companion’s efforts to save Talamare were unsuccessful as Talamare lost oxygen and could not get out of the water.

His death was ruled a “asphyxiation by immersion,” or drowning.

His parents are asking for more information.

Talmare’s mother, María Esther Pimentel, disputed the academy’s version of the events to DeUltimoMinuto, claiming her son would not be one to be “naughty” and break the rules by leaving on his own.

She also said the family had taught him how to swim.

He was described by one scout to Diario Libre as someone who had “promise” and improved his skills “exponentially” over the past year.

Nina called Talmare a player who was “very disciplined and obedient.”

James Lee Griffin passed away August 16, 2025 at the age of 73. He was born in Burlington, IA November 8, 1951.  He was the youngest of three children to Crotty & Cleo (Blessing) Griffin of Wapello, IA.  Jim retired from Hon Industries in the early 2000s to enjoy life with family and friends. He would frequently be found at the golf course as golfing became his passion later in life.  Jim was an avid sports fan in general and a big supporter of Wapello sports.  Frequently coaching youth sports and later being an active member of the Wapello Booster Club for several years. Before that Jim spent many early mornings with friends and family in a duck blind on Lake Odessa. 

Jim was married to Jacqueline (Jackie) Griffin since Sept 18, 1976 and resided in Wapello, IA for all his life and began wintering in Sebring, FL over the last several years.  Family was always a priority for Jim and he was always there if someone needed anything.  Jim lived life exactly as he wanted to and was larger than life to his circle.  He will be missed dearly by many friends and family. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Crotty & Cleo Griffin, Mother-in-law Beverly Speer, and nephew Rick Griffin.

Jim is survived by his wife Jackie, son Jimmy, brother Crot and Doris Griffin, sister Becky and Dave Orr, nieces Kim and Brock Wilson, Lisa Griffin, nephews Davy and Staci Orr, Jason and Thias Griffin and all their respective families.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be at Heritage Oaks Golf and Country Club in Wapello, IA on September 6, 2025 from 4:30PM – 7:00PM.  A memorial has been established for the Wapello Fire Department in Jim’s name.   Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.  Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello is assisting the family.

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New youth sports and mentorship programming will launch next month with a basketball camp, TRU’s athletics department announced Monday.

Thompson Rivers University’s athletics department is launching new youth sports and mentorship programs, starting with a new basketball camp next month, thanks to a partnership with charity Play Forever.

The weekly basketball camp will be held at the John Tod Community Centre gymnasium each Tuesday from Sept. 16 to Oct. 28. The program will include skills training, three-on-three play, a group meal and a guest speaker each week, running from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

“We are grateful to Clint Hamilton and the Play Forever team for their support in bringing this valuable program to Kamloops,” said Curtis Atkinson, TRU director of athletics and recreation, in a statement.

“We are looking forward to partnering together to have an impact on youth in the Kamloops region.”

Play Forever is a registered charity that aims to break down barriers to recreation and education.

Programming will be coordinated locally by TRU Athletics. The initiative was made possible through a $10,000 contribution from Play Forever to support local program delivery, staffing and logistics.

According to a TRU news release, activities will include training sessions, tournaments, workshops and outreach events that aim to “empower underserved youth across Kamloops.”

“We are pleased to be partnering with TRU and WolfPack Athletics, leaders in the Kamloops community, to bring accessible sport to youth in the region,” said Clint Hamilton, Play Forever programs and operations manager, in a statement.

“We look forward to our partnership with the WolfPack men’s basketball team to unlock opportunities for youth in the Kamloops region.”

Registration forms for next month’s basketball camp can be found at BGC Kamloops, located at 150 Wood St., or online.

OUR GRANT OPPORTUNITIES: Youth Today’s grant listings are carefully curated for our subscribers working in youth-related industries. Subscribers will find local, state, regional and national grant opportunities.

THIS GRANT’S FOCUS: Arts/Culture, Education, Human Services, NYC, Underserved Communities
Deadline: Sep. 30, 2025

“Every year, the Good Neighbor Committee provides unrestricted funding to a small group of community-based organizations working locally in New York City in three focus areas: (1) Arts and Culture; (2) Education; (3) Human service. Within these areas, we prioritize funding for initiatives that reduce the barriers of inequality, create opportunity, and improve the overall quality of life and well-being of New York City communities.”

Funder: Ford Foundation
Eligibility:“Applicant organizations must: (1) Be based in New York City and primarily support local work within the five boroughs; (2) Have 501(c)3 status or work with a fiscal sponsor who does; (3) Work in one of the three priority thematic areas of the GNC; (4) Not be a current grantee of other Ford Foundation programs; (5) Be responsive and accountable to the communities they support.”
Amount: $30,000 – $100,000
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To the Editor:

The Colton Youth Basketball Program wrapped up a successful first annual basketball camp, bringing together players of all ages for a week of skill-building, teamwork, and fun. 

Under the guidance of dedicated coaches and volunteers, campers improved their dribbling, shooting, passing, and defensive skills while building confidence both on and off the court.

The program was filled with energy, sportsmanship, and new friendships, making it a highlight of the summer for our youth athletes. A big thank you to our coaches, volunteers, the director of youth sports, and families for making this camp possible and for supporting our young players every step of the way. 

The camp will run again in August of summer 2026. We look forward to some new and returning faces.

Abby Bonno

Colton Youth Basketball

James Andy

“Jimmy” Paladin

June 6, 1974 –

July 10, 2025

James Andy “Jimmy” Paladin, 51, of Valley, Washington, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 10, 2025.

He often said, “Live every day as if it were your last” and “Everyone is going through something” – words that reflected his compassion and approach to life.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Thompson, and his beloved children: Josie, Alyssa, Jasmine, Austin, Patricia, Heather and Elisha Joy; his parents, Jim and Pat Paladin; and his treasured grandchildren: Cadence, Marceline, Joseph, Kataley, Walker, Isabelle, Blakelee, Claire, Bodie, and Wyatt, along with many nieces, nephews, and their children.

Born in Spokane, Washington, Jimmy was a resident of Valley, WA, for 33 years. He was known for his playful spirit, kind heart, and unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and community. As a husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he led with love, warmth, and acceptance.

Jimmy’s heart for teaching and coaching left a lasting impact on generations. He coached youth sports throughout Valley, Chewelah, and Springdale, mentoring children from elementary to high school. He also shared his talents in theater tech – working with sound and lighting – at Valley Elementary School.

A true servant leader, Jimmy’s passion for sports and education went hand-in-hand. Whether it was football, baseball, or any sport in between, he always put the kids first. He taught them not only the game but also teamwork, perseverance, and life lessons.

He earned his A.A. in Engineering from DeVry University in Phoenix, AZ, and later an A.A. in Teaching from SFCC. His professional and personal work reflected his deep love for learning and helping others grow.

Jimmy was a lifelong fan of the Seattle Seahawks, NASCAR, the Tour de France, and the Gonzaga Bulldogs. He loved hunting, fishing, and gaming – whether video games, board games, or yard games – and always found a way to bring fun and laughter to those around him. He never met a stranger, only new friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 17th, 4:00 p.m., at Valley Bible Church, 3061 Pine St., Valley, WA 99181.

A potluck will follow the service. Please bring your favorite dish, side, or dessert – choose one or more – to share as we gather in fellowship to honor Jimmy’s remarkable life.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalm 73:26