Local students had the chance to see police officers in a different uniform Saturday.
The New Vision Leadership Foundation of Acadiana hosted Hoop Dreams at the Domingue Center on Saturday, where Northside students had the opportunity to play police officers in a basketball game.
The foundation's CEO hopes the event will help kids build a positive relationship with law enforcement that lasts a lifetime.
"This is a day of love for our community. Everyone comes out to one central location, our children are able to see law enforcement officers out of uniform, and law enforcement officers are engaged with our kids in a different way," explained Erica Williams, CEO of New Vision Leadership.
New Vision Leadership aims to develop at-risk youth into leaders through education, civic empowerment, and career development.
Northside students competed against the Lafayette Police Department and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office. Last year, the officers won the competition, so the youth were out to reclaim the title this year.
Williams says in the six years since the event began, she has noticed the relationship between the police officers and the kids who participate improve.
"That's a small step in the right direction."
