Playing Sports in the "80’s"
OUR VISION, OUR GOALS, AND OUR YOUTH
When I think back to my childhood and reminisce about some of the troubles that eluded my upbringing, I attribute staying out of trouble and staying focused on school to family values and morals installed in me. My childhood was spent growing up in the Chelsea projects of downtown Manhattan. I also can’t overlook how my involvement in organized sports played a fundamental role in my life. Despite all the negative stigma and social inequalities that came with lower-class status, playing sports also brought about a feeling of freedom, confidence, and pride. We competed and supported our local church through C.Y.O and our local police prescient through P.S.A.L. I played baseball in the summer and spring, and football, basketball, and hockey in the fall and winter.
The streets were our playground; we played two-hand touch football in the middle of the street, stoop ball off the sidewalk, and fire hydrants and parked cars were our bases in stickball. Trash talking led to scuffles at times. We officiated our games and learned to communicate and resolve our differences while playing sports. It was genuine fun, and in hindsight - an everlasting learning experience. Maintaining equipment and entry fees to participate in these sports was expensive - my mom supported my participation in sports.
I recall my mom taking me to Paragon Sporting Goods in Chelsea, Manhattan where I was raised. Our constant trips to Paragon Sporting Goods for a hockey stick, leather gloves, and football equipment were not easy with my mom’s modest income. However, her unconditional love certainly had an enormous impact on my passion for sports in later years to come. Eventually, the discipline and structure that sports taught me transpired into good grades, a teaching career, and a life-long avid sports fan. Sports was my outlet, it was my escape to paradise. It allowed me to think clearly. It allowed me to dream. Playing sports fostered discipline, gave me confidence, and showed me about sportsmanship and playing as a team.
I’ve combined my passion for education and sports and founded - Youth Stars, an academic sports program. We have ambassador coaches in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens & The Bronx – We share the same philosophy; a passion for sports and education. We have been focusing on creating standard/benchmarks in making sure athletes maintain a B average in school in order to continue involvement in the program. Organized sports will foster good grades, which will help nurture children as a whole. Criminal statistics will tell us that the main reason why youths commit crimes is because…as they’ve been quoted – “I was BORED.” Youth Stars will serve as an outlet to these kids. Everyone involved; staff and donors alike, can now be part of a solution to this growing crisis. Please contribute to our fundraising fund, and make a difference!
The following are journals/articles depicting negative consequences due to boredom, and even more of a reason to promote and support Youth Stars! The Solution to Juvenile Crime, by Shannon Brown, Arizona University (A student perspective)
LINKS
http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/boredom-made-me-rape---prisoner-1318729
On the Brink in Brownsville, The New York Times – By Mosi Secret May 1, 2014
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/04/magazine/on-the-brink-in-brownsville.html?_r=0
Boredom – Causes of Crime – BBC News/UK/Education
www.educationscotland.gov.uk/crimeandlaw/causes/boredom.asp
“Random” and “Bored”: New code words for black on white hate crimes
