
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu
March 22 , 2007
Popular Sports Program for Disadvantaged Youth at UNM May Be Forced to Cancel Summer Session
Federal funding cuts for National Youth Sports Program puts local organizers in quandary
A popular summer program at the University of New Mexico for disadvantaged children in the Albuquerque-area faces an uncertain future. The National Youth Sports Program, a highly successful program in 39 states, aims to help under served youth learn to "walk tall – talk tall – stand tall." However, federal budget cuts the past two years may force officials to cancel its summer program unless funds are found to keep the program afloat for June 2007.
The program, which falls under UNM’s College of Education’s Department of Physical Performance and Development, had more than 50 percent of its funding cut in 2006 from $90,000 to $40,000. This year, the rest of the funding, aside from some support, was eliminated leaving UNM’s program looking for funds to keep the program alive, at least for the short term.
“This program goes back numerous years,” said David Scott, chair, department of physical performance and development. “The program was designed for economically disadvantaged youth in Albuquerque. It’s a very important program. Not only does it address a need for kids, but it is also a sports and social oriented program that helps disadvantaged youth in school.”
The program, which was created in 1969 with $3 million from Congress, uses sports instruction and competition as a means to enhance self-esteem, promote respect for oneself and others, reinforce the importance of education to one's future, and to promote active, healthy lifestyles. As part of the program, each participant receives a free medical examination and follow-up, if necessary, and at least one free meal daily.
Created 37 years ago, NYSP is of even greater importance today, given the epidemic of childhood obesity and increased diabetes. The UNM/NYSP program has been one of the biggest programs in the nation. At UNM, the kids participate in a number of sports-related activities including swimming, basketball, volleyball, flag football, soccer, rugby and tennis. The program also provides participants with instruction in career and educational opportunities and exposure to the college environment.
“This is an activity program that helps young children and adults improve their fitness through sports,” said Program Coordinator Gary Sanchez. “The participants are supervised and provided with quality instruction. This is not a roll out the ball program. The professional staff has lesson plans and 75 percent of the activity is skill instruction.
“The kids are rotated through a variety of sports activities and a health component. Kids love to play and this program provides them the opportunity to remain active. We work with mostly financially disadvantaged family who don't have the means to pay for summer programs. The participants have a sense of belonging to a quality program at UNM. For many this is their first visit to a major educational institution.”
For more information on the National Youth Sports Program visit: http://www.nyscorp.org/nysp/home.html or call UNM’s Department of Physical Performance and Development at, (505) 277-5151.
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