MASSENA -- Trinity Catholic School sixth graders and Massena village police officers recently squared off in a basketball game, followed by a surprise dodgeball game.

The event was part of a Massena Drug Free Coalition initiative “to build relationships between law enforcement and community members,” the coalition said.

“Mayor Tim Currier refereed the game and fourth and fifth grade students kept the mood lively by cheering, chanting, and doing the wave,” a news release from the coalition said.

The coalition plans to work with the sixth graders throughout the year on leadership skills and promoting drug prevention.

“Students will be working with local police officers and government officials to promote peer based anti-substance abuse messages and develop leadership skills as well as build relationships with law enforcement,” the release said.