[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12386]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING DAVE ALI FILS-AIME AND BASKETBALL TO UPLIFT THE YOUTH 
                                 (BUY)

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 12, 2016

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. 
Dave Ali Fils-Aime on the third anniversary and success of Basketball 
to Uplift the Youth (BUY). Using basketball as a tool, BUY provides 
year-round mentorship for school-aged boys and girls in Haiti. The 
program combines basketball and education to encourage teamwork, 
promote healthy lifestyles, build leadership skills, and promote the 
value of service.
  Fils-Aime, a graduate of Yale University and Harvard University, left 
Haiti for the United States at the age of twelve. As a former 
participant of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, a drop-out 
prevention and mentoring program I started nearly 25 years ago in South 
Florida, Fils-Aime is a walking embodiment of what it means to be a 
role model. Using his experience with 5000 Role Models and his passion 
for Haiti's youth, he created Basketball to Uplift the Youth in July 
2013.
  Since its inception, BUY has engaged youth from some of Port-au-
Prince's most disadvantaged neighborhoods. The program works to mold 
young, well-rounded individuals in Haiti. There are also plans to 
expand the program by establishing a scholarship fund. Fils-Aime's 
leadership and commitment to excellence have allowed the program to 
flourish in its three years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating Dave Ali Fils-
Aime for his success and commitment to serving Haiti's youth, and the 
achievements of Basketball to Uplift the Youth.

                          ____________________