MT. ZION, Ill. (WAND) - With donations and other contributions from families and businesses around Mt. Zion, 4 new basketball hoops were installed behind the Intermediate School in memory of 10-year-old Jack Brinkoetter.
Jack was tragically killed in a sledding accident involving an ATV in January.
Inspired by Jack's teacher, students and faculty in Mt. Zion wanted to share his love for basketball by creating "Jack's Court". As the community has embraced the phrase "Live. Like. Jack.", playing like him is included. The space will be an area kids can shoot hoops while making new friends.
"It's an amazing, humbling blessing to see people pour their love into this family and to this time of dedication for him," said school Principal Randy Thacker. "Just the support the last many months that Mount Zion is given and multiple cross communities that have given to us. We're just so blessed and so thankful."
It's one of several ways the community has come together to heal. Thacker said a public dedication of the court will be held within the next few weeks upon the park's completion.
Thacker added, "That's what we want kids to do in his memory out here - live life to the fullest, play basketball, enjoy each other, and just enjoy life."
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