.San Benito County Police Athletics League (PAL), in partnership with the City of Hollister's Recreation Department, will soon offer two new completely free sports programs for San Benito County youth. 

The first free program offered will be United States Tennis Associations HITS (Honesty, Integrity, Teamwork, Sportsmanship) program. This program is available to all children 10 and under in San Benito County. Registration will begin Feb. 17. Call 636-4390 for registration information and any questions. The HITS season will be April 9-May 28 and is scheduled for every Thursday from 4-5 p.m. at the Dunne Park tennis courts. 

The second free program is the San Francisco Giants' Junior Giants baseball program. This program will offer T-ball for ages 5-6 and softball and baseball for ages 7-9 yrs and 10-13 years. Registration for Junior Giants begins March 2. Register online at www.juniorgiants.com. Walk-in registration will be held on March 21 at the Hollister Community Center, 300 West St. and the season begins June 15.

A free T-shirt and hat will be provided for all participants. 

"Eliminating the financial barriers of activities in our community, allows all of our youth to participate," said David Westrick, Hollister Police chief and vice president of San Benito County PAL. "Every kid should have the opportunity to do something they love. It may inspire them to choose a positive path for their lives and that will make our community a better place, one child at a time. I know for a fact that a good community recreation program is an excellent crime prevention tool." 

For more information call, Hollister Recreation (831) 636-4390 

"Like" San Benito County PAL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sbcpal.