UNK spring game tailgate supports KPD sports program

KEARNEY – Sports bring people together.

They allow complete strangers to connect through a common interest and build bonds within a community.

Operation NETS, an acronym for Neighborhood Engagement Through Sports, is one example. The program strengthens relationships between Kearney Police officers and the residents they serve, using sports as a catalyst.

Funded solely by donations, Operation NETS equips officers with basketballs, footballs, volleyballs, soccer balls and other sports gear. These items are then given to youths throughout the community during patrols, creating positive interactions with law enforcement.

“It’s all about community involvement and engagement,” said McKenna O'Rourke, a lead care resource partner with Tabitha Home Health Care and Hospice and a member of the current Leadership Kearney class. “Leadership Kearney selected the NETS program as our class project because we recognize this program as a way to make a positive impact in the community.”

Leadership Kearney – a Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce program – is partnering with the University of Nebraska at Kearney to support Operation NETS.

Community members are invited to a family-friendly tailgate event during the UNK football spring game, scheduled for April 19 at Cope Stadium. The tailgate begins at 4:30 p.m., with the game kicking off at 6 p.m.

The event includes a variety of fun activities, along with opportunities to interact with Leadership Kearney members and KPD representatives. Food will be provided for a freewill donation to the Operation NETS program. Attendees can also contribute by donating new or very gently used sports equipment such as footballs, baseballs, softballs, basketballs, volleyballs and soccer balls.

The spring game is free to attend.

“We’re proud to partner with UNK to support this amazing program and we hope Loper fans and local families can join us April 19 for a fun evening of football, friendship and community engagement,” O'Rourke said.

Monetary donations are also accepted at the KPD building, 2025 A Ave. Please include NETS LK in the check memo line.

Sports equipment can be donated at the KPD building, along with the following locations:

•    UNK Athletics administration office inside the Health and Sports Center, 2501 15th Ave.

•    Alpha Rehabilitation, 920 E. 56th St., Building A

•    FNBO, 2223 Second Ave.

•    Kearney Family YMCA, 4500 Sixth Ave.

•    Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, 1007 Second Ave.

•    Kearney CrossFit, 2810 W. 24th St.

For more information, contact O'Rourke at 308-627-3206 or mckenna.orourke@tabitha.org.