Rehabilitation, Sports in CDCR

Ironwood hosts first intra‑facility basketball game

Intra-facility basketball game at Ironwood State Prison with players jumping for a ball.
Referees, coaches, and players were all from the incarcerated population.

Ironwood State Prison recently hosted its first intra-facility basketball game with Facility A and B selecting players from each to compete.

Incarcerated individuals also assisted with coaching, refereeing, announcing, score keeping, and documenting player stats for the Ironwood intra-facility basketball game.

Staff supported the effort as custody and non-custody from throughout the institution gathered around to watch the game. After the game, each player received a participation certificate. Also, coaches selected best defensive and offensive players.

Both teams came together to enjoy a shared lunch, provided by the captains of Facility A and B. The game was recorded and will be broadcast to the population throughout the institution.

Inspired by the California Model, Ironwood State Prison aims to reduce stress and make life in prison as similar as possible to life outside.

This marks the first of many events providing population and staff with a sense of community.

Submitted by Lt. C. Whalen
Ironwood State Prison

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