Global Gear Drive continues its efforts this holiday season in hopes to build the power of sports for children throughout the U.S. and worldwide

Are you looking for a new home for your sports equipment this holiday season? Consider donating to the National Alliance for Youth Sports’ Global Gear Drive (GGD) program, which seeks to enhance the youth sports experience for youth throughout the U.S. and worldwide!

GGD was created in 2004 to provide sports equipment to children in severely impoverished communities looking to enhance their youth sports activities yet unable to do so due to a lack of resources and necessary funds. Now, with the support and efforts of hundreds of volunteers to date, the organization has been able to help these communities improve their youth sports programs by providing them with not only resources, but education and training on quality youth sports practices.

“The organization is extremely pleased to assist all those looking to revitalize their communities through sport and it is the continued help and dedication of our volunteers throughout the year that enable us to bring the true gift of sports to children worldwide.” – Cindy Daub, Director of International Relations

NAYS is requesting all those looking to make a gift this holiday to please donate a new and/or slightly used sports ball or piece of sporting apparel to the organization in its hopes to continue its efforts and provide sports equipment to children in underprivileged communities. Your donation will go toward one of its selected communities worldwide that has reached out to NAYS in great need of further support. The organization will be more than happy to send a notification to each contributor as to where their item has been shipped once it has been sent and for more information on how to donate, get involved or receive more information, please contact the organization directly at globalgear@nays.org or via phone at 1-800-688-KIDS.

 
  
IAYS and TTASPE renew commitment to youth
 

Thousands of children throughout the Caribbean are enjoying positive sports experiences, thanks to the efforts of the Trinidad and Tobago Alliance for Sport and Physical Education (TTASPE) and the International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS).Ever since the two organizations began working together in 2005, they have been introducing children to sports who otherwise would never have the opportunity through the renowned Game On! Youth Sports program – and the participants are reaping the benefits.

Game On! Youth Sports, the signature program of the IAYS, gives children the opportunity to participate in sports, develop skills and experience a healthier lifestyle with less chance of adopting negative behaviors that lead to crime, violence, drug abuse and obesity. The program also focuses on helping youngsters learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices to significantly reduce their chances of developing diseases such as HIV/AIDS that can affect their health and well-being.

In the Caribbean, Game On! Youth Sports programs have been embraced by children in Trinidad and Tobago, Anguilla, Dominica, St. Vincent, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Grenada and the Grenadines.

TTASPE, headed by Mark Mungal, is a non-government, non-profit, professional organization comprised of volunteers involved in sport and physical education programs and projects. It is committed to the development of people and communities through the use of sport and physical education. Mungal is also the IAYS’ regional representative for the Caribbean and one of the members of the IAYS’ Founding Council.

“Game On! is a wonderful tool for developing children because it focuses on maintaining a sport environment that fosters positive social outcomes,” Mungal said.

As the IAYS and TTASPE move forward in 2010 the two not-for-profit organizations are focused on achieving even greater results – and impacting the lives of even more youth throughout the Caribbean – through a new Memorandum of Understanding.

Their objectives are:

1)      To create opportunities through the Game On! Youth Sports brand for all children to participate in sport and physical activity in a fun, safe and creative environment.

2)      To provide children with life skills through the experience of sport.

3)      To educate parents, coaches and administrators about key skills, knowledge and values

For more information visit the International Alliance for Youth Sports’ Web site at www.iays.org or email international@iays.org; or visit the Trinidad and Tobago Alliance for Sport and Physical Education’s Web site at www.ttaspe.org.
 
Game On! Youth Sports making a positive difference in Speyside, Tobago
 

A pilot project called “Nurturing Child Friendly Environments through Sports for Development and Healthy Living” is currently being implemented in Speyside, Tobago by the Trinidad and Tobago Alliance For Sport and Physical Education (TTASPE) with the support of the International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS), Tobago House of Assembly, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society, NGO, the BARCAM and UNICEF.The project, designed to prevent violence and HIV and AIDS in communities, is specially oriented to transfer capacities to individuals and local organizations for them to promote their own holistic development through a combination of interventions in the fields of sports and culture. The community-based Eastside Dynamic Achievers Culture Sports Club has been recently created in Speyside by community members with the purpose to promote positive activities for the community, especially for their children and youth.

In this context, the Caribbean youth program Game On! Youth Sports is one of the sport interventions that is been implemented in Speyside. The program reinforces the physical education curriculum of pre- and primary schools through the systematization of the best dynamics and sport activities, the delivery of specialized training for teachers and volunteers and the donation of equipment adapted to all ages. The methodology places special emphasis on the implementation of fun activities for all the kids while taking advantage of teachable moments to educate on life skills and values.

A total of 25 community members have been trained as Game On! Youth Sports facilitators in Speyside and a Game On! Committee integrated by teachers and community volunteers is now operative. The Game On! Committee has the responsibility of supporting the sport activities of the pre- and primary school and other special sports events and competitions in Speyside.

Traditional sports environments cater to those who have the talent and where the emphasis is on winning. In Game On! Youth Sports all kids, regardless of skill level, body type, gender or skin color ALL get an opportunity to play. Game On! also promotes a culture of responsibility: For ensuring that nobody is left out of the game; for collecting, sharing and securing equipment; and for helping your peers to be successful. Game On! also promotes respect for the volunteer coaches; for peers; and for parents.

Every Friday afternoon, when the weather allows it, the entire Primary School population of 62 girls and boys is brought to Speyside Savannah in order to practice sports under the supervision of the teachers and the support of the Game On! committee members. The students have the opportunity to practice different disciplines with equipment appropriate to their age and physical condition, and to play games and activities that allow the participation of everyone in a protective environment that promotes the learning of life skills and values.

During the month of March the Game On! Committee also supported the pre and primary schools Sports and Family Days. Game On! is intended to be sustainable in Speyside through its coordination under the EDACSC, and the support from government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

TTASPE and its partners will continue reinforcing the capacity of teachers, volunteers and local organizations to deliver a quality physical education for children contributing to build healthy communities in Trinidad and Tobago.
Trinidad & Tobago coaches use Game On! philosophy to inspire children with disabilities during first-ever Camp Adaptation
 

Approximately 100 children with intellectual disabilities from the East Port of Spain region participated in the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Sport’s first-ever Camp Adaptation at the Woodbrook youth facility in the Port of Spain.The highly successful six-day camp was conducted based on the principles of Game On! Youth Sports, the signature program of the International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS). Game On! Youth Sports addresses issues that hinder sports programming for children and gives them the opportunity to participate in sports, and experience a healthier lifestyle, with less chance of choosing negative activities.

Twenty-two coaches and 20 volunteers attended a training workshop conducted by the Trinidad and Tobago Alliance for Sport and Physical Education at the St. George Street Sports Complex in Port of Spain in late March. The coaches were from national sporting organizations representing tennis, football, hockey, equestrian and basketball.

The two-day training, which featured visual presentations and practical simulations, focused on the principles of Game On! and how they can be used to benefit children with disabilities.

The coaching contingent that took part in the training and worked with children at the Camp Adaptation included 28-year-old Barry Khan and 24-year-old Doniel Reyes, members of the Trinidad and Tobago wheelchair basketball team as well as the Trinidad and Tobago Paralympic Committee.

During the camp Khan and Reyes had the chance to learn technical sports skills from other basketball coaches who participated. They also shared their knowledge with the coaches and volunteers about how to successfully work with children with disabilities. During the training workshop the two made significant contributions by discussing with the other participants both their experiences as athletes and as coaches working with individuals with physical, visual and intellectual impairments.

For more information visit www.iays.org or www.ttaspe.org.
 
 
Deputy Prime Minister Of St. Kitts Praises IAYS For Its Outstanding Work With Children
 

The National Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS) was praised for its outstanding work with young children by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor at a ceremony recently in Basseterre, St. Kitts.The IAYS board was in St. Kitts and Nevis March 8-12 for its annual executive committee meeting. While on the island, the group used the opportunity to get a sense of local sporting programs and introduced its Game On! Youth Sports and Start Smart Sports Development programs. IAYS currently supports the Department of Youth’s Youth Sport Initiative (YSI).

Minister Condor told the gathering, which included the IAYS board, teachers, parents and students involved in the YSI, that its government has a very active sporting program and is taking steps to broaden participation.

“The government is cognizant of the immeasurable value of sports to our children and welcomes any partnership that will assist in the education or sourcing of adequate funding for facilities, transportation and equipment necessary to create the desired sporting opportunities for our children,” he said. “We believe like IAYS does that sport is the outdoor classroom and helps to enhance their (children) overall physical, psychological, emotional, mental and social development. It is true to say that the rules of sport are the rules of life.”

The deputy prime minister explained that the success of the program (YSI), which will incorporate elements of Game On! Youth Sports and Start Smart, requires full participation from students, teachers, coaches and parents in particular. He added that the global achievements of the Florida-based Alliance are impressive.

“I applaud IAYS for the impact on national development worldwide through the many innovative programs,” Condor noted. “I wish to especially thank you – the executive board, and your staff for your interest, caring and generosity to our nation. We are eternally grateful and will work so that this partnership will continue to grow and flourish for the benefit of all.”

Minister Condor commended Founder and President of IAYS Fred Engh for his vision and leadership. “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes time but vision with action can change the world as you are doing,” he stressed, imploring the pioneer of youth sports to continue his efforts.

The ceremony was held at the Industrial Site Preschool. Director of Youth Geoffrey Hanley chaired the event, which drew senior representatives from government including the Permanent Secretary of Youth Osmond Petty, Director of Sport Leroy Greene and Early Childhood Coordinator Vanta Walters.

Senior Youth Officer Dave Connor also made a Power Point presentation at the ceremony on the “State of Sports in St. Kitts” to give further insight into local developments. After the event the audience moved outdoors to witness a demonstration of preschoolers using the various sporting equipment donated by IAYS. Skills displayed included kicking, catching, hitting, throwing and shooting a basketball.

The executive members of IAYS were taken on a tour of local schools and sporting facilities after the event.

For more information, please contact IAYS at www.iays.org.
 
   

Dominica’s Bannis-Roberts named to NAYS Board of Directors
 

Loreen Bannis-Roberts, the Parliamentary Secretary Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs for Dominica, has been named to the National Alliance For Youth Sports’ Board of Directors.”The National Alliance For Youth Sports’ Board of Directors is extremely proud to announce the appointment of Loreen Bannis-Roberts to our team of dedicated individuals who believe wholeheartedly in the values sports instill in the lives of children,” said Bob Bierscheid, Chairman of the Board.  Bannis-Roberts has been instrumental in helping to provide much-needed programming throughout her country by working closely with the Alliance. Through her tireless efforts the Alliance’s Game On! Sports and Start Smart Sports Development Programs are already being implemented throughout the country. These programs provide children with much-needed equipment and basic instruction on skills such as throwing, catching, kicking and batting.

“Start Smart is going to have tremendous benefits for us,” Bannis-Roberts said. “The kids are very excited. What’s good about the program for Dominica is that we do not have a presence of parents at sports activities because it’s not part of our culture, and based on the whole setting of the Start Smart program parents play a critical role, so this is going to really build good relations between parents and children.”

Part of the Alliance’s focus will also be to assist in training adult volunteers in Dominica who will eventually serve as coaches and league administrators for newly created programs that will be set up throughout the country. “Loreen has played a vital role in the launching of these sports programs in Dominica, which will provide a worldwide model for other countries,” said Fred Engh, founder and president of the Alliance. “We are pleased to have someone that is so dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children joining our board and strengthening our efforts across the globe.”
Caribbean delegates convene at NAYS headquarters to discuss Game On! Youth Sports
 

Delegates from several Caribbean countries recently convened at the National Alliance For Youth Sports’ headquarters to explore how Game On! Youth Sports can be implemented in their respective countries.Game On! Youth Sports, created by the Alliance, is a first-of-its-kind approach that creates opportunities for children to participate in healthy physical activities that otherwise would not have the opportunity to do so, with minimum adult involvement.

“I love the concept that Game On! Youth Sports encompasses,” said Dave Connor, from the Department of Youth & Sports for St. Kitts and Nevis. “I see Game On! Youth Sports becoming the future of how our children are taught sports in St. Kitts and Nevis. I see Game On! Youth Sports becoming one of the major steps we can apply in our continued effort to enhance our children’s overall development. As our children participate in this program they will once again remember what it’s like to have fun playing sports. This invariably helps in helping our children strive to reach their true potential.”

Joining Connor at Alliance headquarters were Robert Chalwell and Ileta Potter from the British Virgin Islands; and Noris Gomes, Henco Cecilia and Francis Wanga from the Netherlands Antilles.

Game On! Youth Sports was officially launched in Roseau, Dominica, earlier this year.

“Game On! Youth Sports will have far-reaching impact as we introduce children to sports and present them with opportunities to enhance their physical and emotional growth through their participation,” said Fred Engh, founder and president of the Alliance. “Dominica represents just the first step in our efforts to make a difference in the lives of youngsters around the world through the medium of sports, and we look forward to working closely with other interested countries to implement this program.”

The two-day meeting explored a number of topics related to the implementation of the program. The meeting also addressed how the Alliance’s Global Gear Drive can be an additional asset.

The Global Gear Drive collects new and used youth sports equipment from recreation departments around the United States and distributes it to children in need in countries around the world.