I can remember when I was a collegiate coach and it was summertime. Track season was over and recruiting season for unsigned prospects or future prospects was open, however it wasn't mandatory. As I was at my office one day I was talking to my head coach and we were discussing the amount of summer track meets we were going to host this upcoming summer. As we sat in the office and ponder I began to ask him about the tpye of programs that are actually offered for the inner city youth in Arkansas especially those that are into track and field. What made me think of this discussion was because of the research I was doing over the internet about the success level in Jonesboro compared to Little Rock, Arkansas and how involved the parents where in there children success.
Months passed and it took my interpersonal communication skills to be at the upmost high. I began to ask around the community to families I had previous met with children that was into track and field and they range from the ages of 5 to 18. Now I know it was a very wide range to deal with and to inquire about, but I was very amazed of the corporation I received. After to my face to face conversations I began to find an interest in the library and used my perks with being a collegiate coach and made a few visits to the school board. One thing I found out that was in common from all my parents I talked to was that they wanted something positive to involve their children in for the summer to keep them out of trouble and to also allow them to keep their brain working.
By the follwing summer I developed an inner city youth tutorial and track program. Alot of my athletes that stayed at the school for the summer assisted with the tutorial programs as well as with the fundamentals of track and field. I had a 6 week camp and it was free. I got so many great responses from that camp that 25 out of 40 students that attended that camp grades gotten better, they had more positive interaction with their parents, the little babies began to come out of their shell and more sociable and attentive in class and my juniros and seniors graduated and some received athletic scholarships.
I have to say my time in Arkansas wasn't the best, but when I began to work with them kids it was the highlight of my "summer" coaching career.
What a wonderful endeavor! I believe that children want to be involved and engaged and programs like the one you provided do just that for them. Kudos to you!!
ReplyDeleteNow, that is an uplifting story! You stayed committed to making a difference in the communtiy and it panned out in the end. Stories of this nature, motivates others to want to do more in hopes that they too will have such an impact in the lives of others. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful story. I am glad that you saw where programs were needed for the youth in your area and came up with something to fill the void. It is also wonder that you choose to include academics as well as athletics. Great Job!
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