Rising Stars celebrates grand opening

Rising Stars, a long-standing not-for-profit provider of youth programs celebrated the grand opening of its first official home location in Freeport on March 5.

Originally founded as a summer camp in the 1990s, Rising Stars has evolved into a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering a safe and enriching environment for young athletes to play, learn, and grow.

The new 16,000 square foot facility, housed in the former National Guard Armory building, which the village of Freeport chose to develop and put back on the market, boasts state-of-the-art amenities including an Academic Enrichment Center, wellness and training rooms, and two regulation high school basketball courts.

This multi-purpose complex will serve as a hub for youth and community activities, accommodating various programs, events, and partnerships throughout the year.

Among Rising Stars’ partners is Jovia Financial Credit Union, which has pledged support for financial literacy education for student-athletes and their families.

Additionally, the partnership extends to mentorship opportunities for youth through the Rising Stars Scholar Program.

“Thanks to the strategic alignment of their mission with ours, Jovia Financial Credit Union has really championed bringing my long-term dream to reality,” said Rising Star’s Executive Director and alum Daniel Gimpel in a release.

“Having a physical space to call our own will be game-changing for our mission to provide much needed opportunity for today’s youth sports community.”

Rising Stars aims to break demographic barriers and provide opportunities for approximately 500 student-athletes from across the tri-state area.

Notable contributors to the grand opening celebration include Jovia Financial Credit Union, Orlin & Cohen, Apollo Jets, Puma, Wilson, and several local businesses such as Montana Brothers Pizzeria, Gala Foods Supermarket, Echo Events NY, Smith Street Deli, Lemon Perfect, and Sports Depot.