Recently, Riis was honored to rename the basketball court at our Queensbridge community center after Bob Welch. Bob was a cherished community member and role model who was known as the “unofficial commissioner of basketball” at the Queensbridge Houses. He not only helped to cultivate young peoples’ athletic abilities, but also their respect for one another and for the game of basketball. In his autobiography, No Malice: My Life in Basketball, former Queensbridge resident and NBA player Metta World Peace (previously Ron Artest) highlighted how Bob was a trusted figure for him growing up, and the first one to teach him to shoot free throws. Neighbors often referred to him as ‘Bob Riis,’ and still hold an annual basketball tournament in his honor.
This August, many former and current Queensbridge residents came together to see our plaque for Bob unveiled and to share memories of Bob. Riis Settlement is happy to continue Bob’s legacy through this court renaming, and by continuing to operate the Queensbridge community center as a place for young people to connect and grow through sport.
