“Walk Tall, Talk Tall, Stand Tall” is the motto of the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP). Since 1968 the NYSP has combined sports instruction with exciting educational programs for youths age 10-16. Free enrollment is open to all youngsters from a low-income family.
Each participant receives a free medical examination before participation in the NYSP, and a minimum of one USDA approved meal is provided on a daily basis.
This summer Yuba College will conduct the National Youth Sports Program from June 17 through July 24. Some of the different activities being offered through the Yuba College NYSP this summer are, soccer, football, basketball, swimming, tennis, badly ball, softball, martial arts, badminton, track and field, recreational games, weight training and fitness.
The program runs five days a week from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and transportation via bus is provided from most of the local communities with several pickup points. Yuba College provides both breakfasts and lunches for approximately 200 participants that are split into approximately eight age groups. Each group has three adults assigned to it consisting of a project aid and two mentors as well as certified instructors for each activity.
Misty Halcomb, a student at Yuba College, who worked with the 13 and 14 year-old age group last year, said she was impressed with the program structure. “The kids are really eager to participate, and they build a lot of confidence in themselves,” said Halcomb.
The NYSP allows youth who might not otherwise have the opportunity to utilize youth-centered instructional strategies in sports and educational activities. In 1968 representatives of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports piloted the NYS P concept during the summer at two university athletics facilities. The following year the federal government committed $3 million to establish the sports program for economically disadvantaged youth. Since then the federal grant has significantly increased, and strong congressional support remains for the NYSP program objectives.
The program’s objectives are to expand opportunities for disadvantaged youth to benefit from sports skills instruction, engage in sports competition and improve their physical fitness. Along with the sports activities, mandatory classes are offered in Education, Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Career Opportunities and Math and Science instruction. Participants who complete the program will receive five units of academic credit.
National Youth Sports Program information and applications may be obtained at the information desk in the administration building at Yuba College, 2088 North Beale Road, Marysville CA 95901 Phone:(530) 741-6781 Fax:(530) 749-3800
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