The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has been selected by the NCAA as a host institution for the 1996 National Youth Sports Program (NYSP). The free program for boys and girls ages 10-16 is set for 1-6:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, June 10-July 12.
NYSP is a federally funded program, sponsored by the NCAA, that offers sports and education activities to economically disadvantaged youths at no cost to the participants.
"In the 28 years that UNLV has hosted this program, it has provided a positive environment and experience for our young people," said Porter Troutman, a professor in UNLV's College of Education and the activity director for the NYSP Project for 10 years. "We are committed to extending a helping hand. The NYSP motto, `Walk Tall, Talk Tall, and Stand Tall,' is what we want our young people to do."
NYSP will be operated and administered by the College of Education and the College of Human Performance and Development and will target youngsters from low-income families in the Las Vegas area. At least 90 percent of the participants must meet the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for low-income.
Primary goals of NYSP are to expand opportunities for economically disadvantaged youth in sports instruction, competition, and physical fitness; to help young people develop good health practices and good citizenship, as well as expose them to career and educational opportunities; to enable institutions and their personnel to become more active in their communities; to provide employment and on-the-job training in sports instruction and administration; and to serve disadvantaged areas in the United States.
In addition to instruction in swimming, tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer, racquetball, and softball, the program will focus on alcohol and other drug prevention, conflict resolution, health education, career education, job responsibilities, and higher education.
Transportation to and from the university, NYSP T-shirts, and a USDA-approved balanced lunch and snack will be provided for each student at no cost.
Free medical examinations and registration will be conducted at the Community Health Center of Southern Nevada, 916 West Owens, Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A parent/guardian must accompany each enrolled participant. Students are urged to sign up early; enrollment is limited.
Call the Community Health Center of Southern Nevada (Dr. Marcus Barber, 631-8800) for an appointment for the NYSP medical examination prior to the registration date. A complete registration packet is available at the health center.
For more information, call Dr. Porter L. Troutman, Jr. at 895-3369.
