PIP (Players in Progress) Annual Festival Bounces Back to Abilene

Young basketball enthusiasts and their families will travel to Abilene, Texas, for the annual Players in Progress (PIP) Festival, Friday through Saturday. Abilene can expect about 900 visitors in town for this event, generating nearly $200,000 into the local economy.

This year marks the 13^th year for Abilene to host the festival. “The collaboration between Abilene Christian University, the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau and Players in Progress has produced a very positive partnership.  PIP is a sports and character-building program that utilizes basketball as its arena.  This event exemplifies the tagline:Abilene, where champions are made,” said Debi Schultz, director of sales for the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The annual festival will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Friday in Moody Coliseum. The players will perform in Moody Coliseum throughout the festival. The public is invited to come out and watch these talented, young basketball stars perform their skills. Saturday at 1:00 p.m. PIPS ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade will perform in mini groups of five – twelve individuals. The highlight performance is scheduled at 3 p.m. when the PIP “Old Timers” ranging from junior high to college ages close out the Festival with a grand finale.

Coaches David and Brenda Land wanted a program that would not only develop basketball skills, but also would allow the children to develop confidence, responsibility, and self-esteem and foster a fun environment.  Starting in 1987 with one group of 45 children, the PIP program has grown to thousands nationwide with no plans to stop until PIP is in all 50 states. Reporters needing additional information, or those that would like an interview or photo opportunity should contact one of the media contacts listed above. To learn more about the PIP program, visit www.pipsyeah.com.