NIL member and Missouri State senior forward Gaige Prim strives to make a big impact in the Springfield community both on and off the court. 

Most recently, Gaige Prim joined his coaches and teammates in Missouri State men’s basketball’s second-annual program, Bears, Badges and Kids. The program, which was started last year by head coach Dana Ford, serves as an opportunity to bring Springfield youth, basketball players and local law enforcement together for monthly basketball clinics in the summer months. 

This year, three clinics were hosted throughout July, August and September. The events were free for children in kindergarten through sixth grade, with each participant receiving a free lunch, T-shirt and replica badge.

Prim and fellow teammates worked with dozens of kids to polish their shooting, rebounding, passing skills and more. Plus, kids got to hear advice from coaches and law enforcement officers alike throughout the clinics.

Key community partners to support this initiative include Springfield Police Department, the City of Springfield, the Community Partnership of the Ozarks, the Springfield Dream Center, Hy-Vee, Domino’s and SFC Bank.

Visit the Missouri State Men’s Basketball site for more information on this great community event!