Latest news with #youthDevelopment
CBS News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
KCAL Cares spotlights resources offered by Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles
KCAL Cares is spotlighting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles for providing a safe and nurturing space where children can discover their superpowers. The Challengers Clubhouse of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles offers a tennis academy where court time and lessons are a part of the curriculum. It helps expose them to a sport that, without the clubhouse, they might not ever have the chance of trying. "These kids get to play tennis at least once or twice a week from the age of 5 all the way to age 18," said Alejandra Liera, site director at the Challengers Clubhouse. Yahuzar aims at being on the court all day, perfecting his game and becoming a better competitor. While Yahuzar discovered his superpower on the court, other kids are developing gifts and talents elsewhere at the Challengers Clubhouse. Liera said beyond the tennis courts, there's a massive gym, classrooms, game rooms and impressive memorabilia left by high-profile supporters. "It takes a community to keep this going," Liera said. The Boys and Girls Clubs operate year-round, providing a safe place for kids to come when they're not in school. They not only offer opportunities like the Challengers Clubhouse but also nourishing meals to prevent hunger and that can facilitate focus. Charlie has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club since kindergarten. "They help us grow and learn and improve my reading, my math and my writing," Charlie said. Fourth grader Haley wants to be a broadcaster when she grows up. She interviewed KCAL News Sports Anchor Darren Haynes about his work. Hayley has not only learned resilience here, but she's made friends and discovered her superpower. Even though summer has just begun, the Boys and Girls Clubs are already preparing to outfit these kids for back to school and they're asking the public to pitch in. "We are in need of materials like pencils, scissors and sports equipment," Liera said. Liera has built an Amazon wish list that includes supplies that the cubs are in need of. You can help bring school supplies to kids who might not otherwise have them. Scan the QR code for a direct link to the Boys and Girls Club Amazon wish list. KCAL Cares is proud to support the clubs and the kids and outfit them for success. Whether or not they become a future Grand Slam winner, these kids will have a lot of fun learning and even teaching. Perhaps the most important lesson here: in every endeavor, sportsmanship is key.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘It's a lifeline': New $1.6 million play area for kids coming to Topeka
TOPEKA (KSNT) – A local organization that serves numerous Topeka kids is eagerly anticipating the creation of a large new playground area. Dawn McWilliams, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Topeka (BGCT), told 27 News her organization is excited about a new playground area in southeast Topeka. The Adams Club Adventure Oasis Project (ACAO) will be located in the Jefferson Square neighborhood close by the BGCT offices at 550 Southeast 27th Street. 'This is not simply a playground renovation; it is a visionary investment in the health, resilience, and leadership potential of our youth. The Adventure Oasis will serve as a dynamic space for physical activity, emotional healing, and personal growth, a safe and inclusive environment where young people can explore, lead, and thrive.' BGCT press release excerpt 'Who doesn't love ice cream?': New homemade ice cream shop opens in west Topeka The ACAO is designed to support kids between the ages of five and 12 by giving them a safe place in the outdoors to play with friends. The BGCT said the project is special as it gives local children a place to have fun without having to travel to other parts of the city in an area that is both inclusive and engaging. McWilliams said the groundbreaking on the new project is slated to begin on Friday, Aug. 1 this year with construction starting later the same month. The total price tag for the ACAO is around $1.6 million, which will be covered by donors and grants. 'The Adventure Oasis isn't a luxury, it's a lifeline.' BGCT press release excerpt The BGCT reports the ACAO will serve more than 5,000 children each year. It will also bring with it the benefits of helping kids play outside, build relationships and anchor community revitalization efforts in the nearby area. Patrick Lowry with the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) said the BGCT will receive $162,000 in tax credits from the KDC's Community Service Tax Program. He said the BGTC project will have a positive impact on child care in Topeka. 'Projects funded through the Community Service Tax Credit Program have a lasting impact on Kansas residents by expanding access to healthcare, child care, housing and other essential services,' Lowry said. 'These investments strengthen communities, support economic growth, and improve overall quality of life across the state. The Adams Club Adventure Oasis falls under the community service category, which includes child care.' What is causing the ground to shake in Kansas? Plans for the ACAO show that it will be a multi-phase project that, when completed, will feature numerous activities for kids and many different types of playground equipment to interact with. A few examples include a basketball court, climbing structures, trampoline, swing sets and more. BGCT Presentation Format by Matthew Self on Scribd You can learn more about the mission of the BGCT and how to get involved by clicking here. Learn more about the history of the BGCT by clicking here. Should you help a turtle cross the road in Kansas? For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CTV News
05-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
After-school program aims to provide opportunities for children in Windsor's west end
The Windsor-Essex Community Housing Corporation is launching a new after-school program for children in Windsor's west end. The program is specific to children living in community housing in the Sandwich community. It will provide after-school support, homework help, financial literacy, and field trips, along with personal development and sports activities. Senior Manager of Community Development and Engagement with Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation, Jennifer Cline, said they're launching the summer recreation program to get kids involved before the after-school program begins. 'We have around 100 kids who attend our summer recreation program every day, so we're aiming for around 60 to 100 kids who will access our after-school program,' she said. Cline said it's a chance to give these kids different opportunities and perspectives. 'We have a lot of youth who grew up in our summer rec program who are now camp counsellors, who are not in university, and who are now going to college,' she said. 'We have some of our Windsor police officers who grew up in social housing and are now coming back and giving back to our communities. It really provides a lot of opportunities for them to see there's life outside of social housing.' Cline said the grant is going to help them offer different field trips to help broaden the kids horizons. 'A lot of our kids in social housing with low socioeconomic status; the families unfortunately don't have the financial means to access those different resources that cost to go to the movies or to go to the art gallery; there's a fee associated with that. So a lot of times our families are having to choose between putting food on the table or doing an activity,' she said. The program is in partnership with McBride Youth United and is being supported through a grant from the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan. - Written by Rusty Thomson/AM800 News.
SBS Australia
03-07-2025
- Business
- SBS Australia
Sydney Olympic FC: resilient, rebuilding and ready for the Australian Championship
In an interview long in the making, Olympic's president, Damon Hanlin came to our headquarters in Sydney's Artarmon for an in-depth conversation on the club's journey, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and what lies ahead. A personal story rooted in the Greek community Though his surname might not immediately reveal it, Damon Hanlin proudly claims his Greek heritage — a fact that links him deeply to the club's historical and cultural identity. A successful businessman, Damon Hatzimanolis (as is his Greek surname) got involved with Sydney Olympic out of both passion and commitment, acknowledging that while the financial toll has been significant, the drive to preserve and grow this iconic club remains stronger than ever. 'I'm here because I believe in what this club represents — not just for football, but for the Greek-Australian community,' Mr Hanlin said. Challenges, change and ambition The president spoke candidly about the challenges the club currently faces — from administrative and financial pressures to infrastructure constraints. But he was also clear about the club's focus on youth development, long-term sustainability, and its efforts to modernize. 'We are always working to engage the next generation — young Greek-Australians who can carry the torch forward', Mr Hanlin noted, adding that while the club's traditional supporter base is ageing, steps are being taken to involve families, schools, and young talent at every level. He also added: 'We're always exploring ways to strengthen community engagement. That includes finding mechanisms for further strengthening financial membership, beyond just season tickets holders.' Source: Instagram / Sydney Olympic FC Where are the fans? One of the more sensitive issues discussed was the decline in fan attendance — a noticeable shift since the disbanding of the NSL. With games now held at venues like Belmore Sports Ground and Kogarah (Jubilee Stadium), longtime fans often express nostalgia for the golden days. 'We know we need to do more to bring the fans back,' Mr Hanlin admitted. 'The move to the National Second Tier is part of that effort. We want to give our community — especially the younger generations — a reason to feel inspired again. Also, whilst we embrace wholeheartedly our traditional Greek-origin fanbase, we want to be more be inclusive by embracing the enhanced multicultural mosaic of our region'. On-field performance and what's next On the pitch, Sydney Olympic currently sits in 7th place after 21 rounds in the 2025 NPL NSW season, with hopes still alive for a finals berth. Mr Hanlin remains optimistic: 'We have a solid squad, committed coaching staff, and we're building towards something bigger.' That 'something bigger' is the Australian Championship. Mr Hanlin confirmed that Sydney Olympic's inclusion in the so-called B-League is locked in, and that it came after tireless advocacy — and personal investment — on his part. 'This was never going to be handed to us. We had to fight for it. But we're ready.' A bridge to the future? The new national competition aims to bridge the gap between the NPL and the A-League, and Hanlin believes it could reinvigorate the domestic football scene. Whether it leads to promotion and relegation remains to be seen, but for Sydney Olympic, the opportunity is real. 'We're not just participating — we're preparing to be competitive from day one,' Mr Hanlin said. 'That means upgrading our squad, refining our operations, and engaging at every level.' As for the club's continued involvement in the NPL NSW, Mr Hanlin suggests there will be evolution — not abandonment. 'This isn't the end of one chapter. It's the beginning of a broader story and the NPL can only become stronger from the new competition'. A message to the fans Mr Hanlin's final message was clear: 'To all our supporters — old and new — this is your club. Sydney Olympic is here because of you, and it will thrive with your passion and support. Come with us on this journey. The best is yet to come. Source: Instagram / Sydney Olympic FC
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Porsche Centre Oman signs a two-year partnership with OAA
MUSCAT: Porsche Centre Oman is investing in the future of motorsport in the Sultanate of Oman by entering into a multi-year partnership with the country's governing body of motorsport, the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), to help grow motorsports at the grass roots level. To be run under the banner of the 'Porsche Centre Oman Karting Championships Series', the commitment will cover the next two seasons of the championship. It will support motorsport in Oman and actively contribute to the development of future motor racing talent and karting in the Sultanate of Oman. 'We are proud to sponsor a project that aligns with our legacy of motorsport excellence,' said Mohamed A R Qassim, Director of Porsche Centre Oman. The championship series is distinct in that it will consist of classes to cater for both race license holders and leisure karting participants. Porsche Centre Oman will provide full branding, racing suits and financial support for licensed drivers and cash prizes to the podium winners. 'Supporting the next generation of drivers is key to Porsche Centre Oman's vision in the region and this partnership reflects our commitment to youth development and motorsport innovation in the Sultanate of Oman,' said Mohamed. The calendar season will also include a 24-hour endurance race along with other races scheduled to be taking place at the Muscat Speedway, starting with the first round of races in September. 'This new championship series for both licensed racers in Rotax Max and leisure karts marks a new era for karting in Oman,' said Sulaiman al Rawahi, Managing Director of the Oman Automobile Association (OAA). 'Partnering with Porsche Centre Oman allows us to elevate the level of competition and offer new opportunities for aspiring drivers across the country.' With the partnership running through until the third quarter of 2027, Porsche Centre Oman will provide financial prizes, and equipment such as branded race suits, while a new Instagram channel will also be launched to promote the upcoming series. Supporting youth sports and building engagement within the community has long been a cornerstone of Porsche Centre Oman's philosophy. The opportunity to support the burgeoning motorsport industry and empower future generations of Omani race drivers starting at grassroots levels made an alignment with the Oman Automobile Association a natural alliance. Porsche has a long history of supporting motor racing in the Middle East with the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East being the pinnacle, showcasing 15 seasons of competition across the Gulf. Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East provides the ultimate inspiration for future Omani stars who can now begin their climb up the professional motor racing ladder on leisure karts and then the Rotax Max Challenge as part of the the Porsche Centre Oman Karting Championship Series.
