Check out our Facebook page soon for more on this!

It’s been about a year and a half in the making, but our Triple Threat Summit with BET is just around the corner. This is going to be an awesome event, and we’re looking for your help! If you’d like to volunteer for the summit or want more information, email us at volunteer@triplethreat.org

The event runs from September 22-24th at East Aurora High School. Make sure to check back for updates on our Facebook and Twitter too! We’ll have more info for you soon!

Triple Threat and District 131 hosted its annual soccer tournament May 7, fielding an amazing 22 fifth grade teams in boys and girls divisions. The event, which was held at the soccer fields of Gates Elementary and East Aurora High School, packed more high-paced action than you could shake a stick at. Seriously. A shootout decided which girls team moved on to the finals and the boys championship was also decided by a shootout.

Rollins took the top spot in the girls tournament while Dieterich won it all in the boys division.

Congratulations to all of the teams — you guys rocked it!

Also… a HUGE thank you to all our volunteers. This was such a big tournament, and it literally would not have been possible without your help. Thanks for giving back and making a difference!

Check our Facebook page later this week for more photos!

Not only has he cemented his place as the top 11-year-old basketball player in the nation, but he’s done so while also balancing an emerging acting career and his schoolwork. Jaylin showcased a little of all his skills with Triple Threat in April at Doolittle Elementary in Chicago.

A group of more than 30 elementary-aged kids watched Jaylin’s now-famous basketball moves and also asked him questions about his personal life.

Jaylin emphasized that he got where he is today through hard work and dedication. He told students to respect their parents, pursue their dreams and put their schoolwork ahead of all else.

We’ll be working more with Jaylin in the future, so be on the lookout for more out of this awesome young man. Also, check out this news piece WGN did on Jaylin when he was out with Triple Threat at Doolittle!

Ten of East Aurora’s hardest working young student-athletes are ready to Hoop It Up. After a February tryout, 10 3rd and 4th grade basketball players were selected to a 8-week basketball program that focuses on teamwork, drills and skills. The team meets Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Fred Rodgers Community Center gym.

The team will be squaring off against local AAU teams this summer to put their skills on display. The problem is — we don’t have a name yet! If you have any suggestions, send them to Athletic Director Troy Pascley at troy@triplethreat.org

The District 131/Triple Threat event featured 11 of the district’s schools — what an awesome turnout!

Thanks to all our awesome sponsors like Nike, Powerbar and Medallion Press. Also, a big shout-out to Miss Illinois Whitney Thorpe Klinsky as well as Miss River Kaitlyn Millner and Miss Cook County April Strong for encouraging the cheerleaders all day.

For more photos, check out the complete albums here and here.

Try another Nike event two days later, complete with a star-studded cast and a fundraiser for Triple Threat! We’re blessed at Triple Threat to have such wonderful partners and friends at Nike. In late February, they held a Black History Month event at SuccezZ, an upscale shoe shop and clothing store owned by former NBA standout Bobby Simmons. The event featured nationally known writer and activist Scoop Jackson, General Manager of Nike’s Central Territory Reg Hamlett, renowned spoken word artist, activist and musician Malik Yusef, and Simmons.

At the event, Nike highlighted the accomplishments of African-American athletes who have helped shape the history of sport. On top of that, they introduced new, limited edition shoes that were auctioned off on site. Nike is giving the proceeds of the auction — along with artwork that was auctioned-off — to Triple Threat.

Our executive director, Caleb Luper, also spoke to the crowd of more than 100 people about Triple Threat and the impact Nike’s partnership leaves in the communities we serve.

All in all, an awesome event. Can’t thank our Nike peeps enough!

A group of Nike employees and Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett showed what it takes. During the Nike/Triple Threat ‘Call to Greatness’ event, more than 30 corporate Nike employees and retail workers got their service on. Not only did the Nike crew fix up and paint Triple Threat’s future Chicago location, but they also spent time mentoring Aurora and Chicago youth during the Black History Month event.

Their day of service epitomized what it is to be great — do what you love while helping others. After getting elbows and jeans covered in white paint, the Nike team then honed their artistic, academic and athletic skills to provide guidance for under-resourced youth. Whether it was basketball, spoken word or art, youth and Nike crew took the afternoon to teach and learn from each other.

Our staff was so encouraged and inspired by your great attitudes, high energy and willingness to jump in where needed to make the event run smoothly. Not only was it Nike’s contribution of time and energy, but their example as positive role models and servants definitely impacted the kids. “Nike” now represents not just a great brand, product or organization to 30 youth, but involved people with faces, names, smiles and passion– friends.

Check out more photos here!

Talk about a barn-burner!

A clutch 3-pointer by Hermes Elementary late in the fourth-quarter helped the Panthers secure a back-and-forth victory over Bardwell Elementary in the annual District 131 5th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament. The 16th rendition of the tournament, which is put on by Triple Threat Mentoring and District 131, featured back-and-forth battles all day, capped off by a championship game for the ages.

Congratulations to all the players, coaches and fans for providing such an awesome day of basketball action. Triple Threat would also like to thank all the volunteers for helping make this event a great success!

Cheerleading coaches from around the district hand-picked students to be on the Triple Threat All-Star Cheer and Dance team. After weeks of practice, the group is ready to perform in the cheerleading competition at the annual District 131 5th Grade Basketball Tournament.

Big thanks to the awesome volunteers who put this together, including Stacy Kvernmo, who led the program all the way to child birth! Thanks to everyone!