Cops take aim at gang intervention

YAKIMA, WASH. -- Some of these guys hit real hard, the cops discovered.

Hit a volleyball, that is.

On Sunday afternoon, an impressive array of players from Yakima, Buena, Sunnyside, Mattawa and as far away as Pasco came to Miller Park to play in a volleyball tournament -- and raise money for gang prevention.

"I think sports, any kind of sport, can help keep kids entertained and off the streets and maybe away from video games," said Agustín Elicea Piza, a Yakima resident with a strong serve who proposed having a tournament to the Yakima Police Department.

"And personally, I wanted to elevate volleyball, because there's a lot of us out here who played in Mexico and want to play here."

Elicea's was one of 14 teams that participated in the daylong event at the park's basketball court. YPD had a team of its own that, well, didn't make it very far in the tournament.

"This is awkward," responded one detective who shall remain nameless, when asked how his team fared. "But just give me a basketball ..."

Each team had to pay $30 to participate and money raised from the event will go toward the police department's Gang Resistance Education And Training (GREAT) program in Yakima schools.

The police chief and other officers watching from the sidelines appeared upbeat as they talked about organizing more volleyball tournaments and sponsoring Little League baseball teams to offer children fun, affordable alternatives to the gang lifestyle.

Most of the players at Saturday's tournaments were men in their late 20s and early 30s who play volleyball on unofficial teams throughout Central Washington.

Beatrice Alvarado said she came from Pasco to watch her husband and relatives play ball. The men often drive to Yakima to play at the YMCA with friends and relished the opportunity to play in a larger competition outdoors.

"I'm here to see them play and, of course, to support the anti-gang work they're helping with," Alvarado said.

* Melissa Sánchez can be reached at 509-577-7675 or msanchez@yakimaherald.com.

More information ...

To learn more about the GREAT program and other gang awareness opportunities, contact Officer David Cortez at 509-728-3368.

Also, Agustín Elicea Piza says he's always interested in meeting new players and possibly starting a local volleyball league. Call him at 509-930-2438.