Hello, my name is Omari DeVeaux and I am a senior at Douglas S. Freeman High School. I played with Freeman's basketball organization for three years and was planning to make it a fourth. However, due to COVID, our season was cut short and we will not be able to play. I believe that Richmond and Henrico County Public Schools should be able to play this season because there are many seniors who actually care about the sport they are playing and want to pursue a career with that sport. In addition, I was planning on having one more season to play to prove to college coaches that I can play at the next level. If this happened then I would have a better chance at receiving a scholarship and going to college for a less amount of money. I want to use the sport I play to help me develop as a person. Basketball has really helped me become a better leader, a great listener, and also a very hard worker. My hard work for the sport I play helps me become motivated in school so that I can play. I want to be the best I can be on and off the basketball court. 

Instead of talking about me, COVID is also affecting many other students. Students that live in Richmond and Henrico County, Virginia are going through a lot right now. Just think about all the seniors that are counting on this year to make a big impact to possibly get into their dream college for sports. Also, what about those seniors that miss out on their senior night? What about those friendships that last a lifetime from having teammates? What about having a great connection with your community? This is what sports is all about and cancelling them will have a huge impact on everyone.