Rhode Island, known to locals as Little Rhody, is the smallest state in the USA, but don’t let its size fool you. This might be a tiny tadpole of a state, but it's got the heart of a full-grown frog when it comes to basketball! Everywhere you turn, there are kids dribbling balls, shooting hoops, and perfecting their slam dunks. The air is constantly filled with the rhythmic thumping of a bouncing ball and the swoosh of the net. And let me tell you about the kids that play basketball in Rhode Island, they are as unique and diverse as the colors in a rainbow. Take for instance, Dunkin' Dottie, the queen of the courts. Legend has it that she was born during a basketball game and she's been dunking donuts in her coffee ever since! She's got a jump shot as sweet as the glaze on a jelly donut and a slam dunk that sends tremors all the way to Massachusetts. Then there's Swoosh Sam, known for his famous fast-breaks. When he starts running, you'd swear he's got rocket boosters on his sneakers! He's so fast, he can finish a game of H-O-R-S-E before you can even spell the word! And let's not forget about Alley-oop Ali, who's got a bounce like a kangaroo and a three-point shot that's as accurate as a GPS. Put a basketball in her hand and she turns into a living, breathing, scoring machine. Yes, the kids of Rhode Island know how to play basketball and they play it with style. So, if you ever find yourself in the state of Rhode Island, be prepared for an exciting game of hoops. Just don't be surprised if a basketball rolls your way – in Little Rhody, everyone's invited to the game!
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
Our daycare, after school programs, and summer camps provide an enriching environment for children to grow and learn. The Newport County YMCA is committed to building strong communities, and has developed programs for youth, teens, and seniors. Our Wellness Center is open to all ages, and we offer a variety of classes and programs to help members reach their fitness goals. Our gymnastics and aquatics classes are designed to provide a safe and fun environment for all ages to participate. The Newport County YMCA is proud to be a part of the community and we will continue to develop programming that meets the needs of all ages. We are dedicated to providing families with opportunities to connect, grow, and learn together. With programs for all ages, the YMCA is committed to helping build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.