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The second half of game one at the Sun Prairie City vs Kids basketball competition(Paris Fransway)<\/p>\nMADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Sun Prairie city officials left their desks and took to the basketball court Saturday to face off in a three-game competition against kids from the Vandenburg Heights neighborhood.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe last time I think I played in a real basketball game, it was before their parents were born,\u201d said Sun Prairie Mayor Steve Stocker. <\/p>\n
The second half of game one at the Sun Prairie City vs Kids basketball competition(Paris Fransway)<\/p>\n
Mayor Stocker, Alders, members of the Police Department, Fire & EMS crews and other officials came out to the games. They came together with the hope of shooting some hoops and connecting with people in the neighborhood. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal is community building. We want to be able to come out and relate to the families. Sometimes the only time city staff relate to them is probably the worst time in their life, so we want to come out during a happy time in their life and get to know us,\u201d said Mayor Stocker. <\/p>\n
The game was organized by the Neighborhood Navigators of Sun Prairie, who work to put on local events and connect people with community resources. <\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes elected officials can feel a little out of reach, especially for folks who are just trying to get by and do their day-to-day activities,\u201d said Teran Peterson, program manager for the Neighborhood Navigators of Sun Prairie.<\/p>\n
Peterson hopes that by bringing everyone together, they can build a stronger community connection.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully the neighbors will then feel more comfortable reaching out if they have needs or questions for their city alders,\u201d explained Peterson.<\/p>\n
City officials put up a strong fight, but the kids came out on top, winning two of the three games. Showing good sportsmanship, members of both teams and the neighborhood enjoyed music and a cookout together. <\/p>\n