'A safe place to grow and learn'

POST FALLS - John Abraham remembers the days when plywood and a rim were attached to a tree in De Smet on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation.

"That was our basketball gym," the Coeur d'Alene Tribal Council member said. "All our games were on the road."

So watching members of the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County play in the gym of its Jordan Johnson Center in Post Falls on Monday brought smiles to Abraham's face.

"I'm excited for them," he said. "It reminds me of the days when I was thrilled to see our carpeted gym built in the early '70s."

The club's gym is now officially named after the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, which fulfilled the second half of a $100,000 pledge toward the club on Monday. A sign that states, "This is a safe place to grow and learn," in both English and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe language was unveiled above the gym doors.

Chief Allan, the Tribe's chairman, said the pledge was a "no brainer" and part of an ongoing commitment to invest in the community. It also contributed to the Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene and donates to local school districts each year.

"We really care about the community - not only our (tribal) community but the community as a whole," Allan told the youth and club staff. "We like to put money where our mouth is. People like to talk about profit and losses, but sometimes it's not all about that and there's a human factor. Kids need a place to have fun.

"Keep up the good work, keep studying, put a smile on your face and stay in school."

Fifth-grader McKaylee Sloane, a club member, said the Tribe's help has been great for local youth.

"I play a lot of sports, so this gym means a lot to me," she said. "It helps me stay active."

Ryan Davis, the club's executive director, told the youth that they wouldn't have such opportunities if it wasn't for donors such as the tribe.

"The only reason we're able to be here is that people in the community invest in the club to help you," he said.

The Post Falls facility - built more than a year ago - is paid for.

The club had a total of 758 members in Post Falls and at Sorensen Elementary in Coeur d'Alene in 2013. That was a 40 percent increase from 2012.

Davis said the club is working with the city of Coeur d'Alene and the Coeur d'Alene School District on possible sites for a Coeur d'Alene facility.

"We hope to have a great announcement in the near future," he said.