The National Youth Sports Program (NYSP), designed to combine sports instruction with exciting educational programs for youth ages 10 to 16, will debut on the Arkansas State University campus this summer.

With 210 programs across the country, the NYSP, in partnership with the NCAA, higher education, governmental agencies, and Jonesboro community, has committed to active participation in sports and education to enable youth from low-income families to enhance the quality of their lives.

The ASU program is one of 10 new sites added nationwide this year.

Dr. Blair Dean, activity director and assistant professor of health, physical education and sports sciences, secured a $50,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to provide funding for 200 participants.

The program will be held June 3 through July 10 with three days off for the Independence Day holiday. Registration will begin in April with the liaison officer making visits to the four Jonesboro elementary and two junior high schools.

The 25-day program will consist of a five-period day which will include lunch, swimming and a variety of other sports that may include basketball, volleyball, softball, tennis, soccer and more.

Dr. Jim Stillwell, project administrator and chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Sports Sciences, said they want to have additional opportunities for the participants.

"We plan to get tickets to the summer children’s theater and provide other activities that these children would otherwise not be exposed to, such as rock climbing, rapelling and horseback riding."

NYSP also encourages local programs to provide one field trip for participants. Dr. Stillwell says they may possibly attend a Memphis Redbirds game.

In addition to sports activities, participants will be exposed to a variety of educational and health programs including alcohol and drug abuse prevention, nutrition and personal health, career opportunities and job responsibilities, and higher education and community concerns.

NYSP participants will also receive a NYSP t-shirt, a daily USDA-approved meal, transportation to and from campus (if necessary), a medical examination, accident-medical insurance coverage and interaction with college students and staff.

The grant coordinators are working with the Jonesboro school system to provide busses for transportation and a doctor group within the community to provide free physicals. Free dental and optometry screenings will be also be available prior to the program.

Stillwell says that he has seen a positive response from the community, but more is needed. "What if we get 273? How do we say no to those 73 kids? To do it (the program) well, we need community support."

He has currently set an outreach goal of 100 community partners.

In addition, organizations and individuals have the opportunity to "Adopt-A-Camper" for $50. Proceeds will benefit purchases needed for all participants to receive a backpack full of school supplies when they leave the program at the end of the summer.

The program staff includes an educational specialist, alcohol and other drug prevention specialist, liaison officer, medical coordinator, professional staff for sports instruction, project aides and support staff.

The 2002 NYSP Advisory Board meets three times throughout the duration of the program and is made up of members of the Jonesboro community. In addition to Stillwell, members include Carol Barnhill, ASU Procurement Services; Diana Davis, KAIT-TV; Paul Griffin, director of athletics at ASU; Woodie Sue Herlein, ASU Childhood Services; Butch Herring, Jonesboro Fire Department; Mildred Lewellen, Rights in Education for Students and Parents; Jackie McBride, Jonesboro Public Schools; Bonnie May, City Youth Ministries; Stacey Null, Pepsi Americas; Dickey Nutt, head men’s basketball coach at ASU; Scott Roper, Jonesboro Police Department; Lee Simpson, St. Bernards Regional Medical Center; Jason Wilkie, Department of Parks and Recreation director; Bob Williams, YMCA; and Les Wyatt, ASU president.

For additional information contact Dr. Jim Stillwell at 870-972-3066.

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