Sport and Society's AIS

We look forward to seeing this program growing even more. Congratulations to everyone involved.

http://www.northeastern.edu/sportinsociety/news/2009/193.html

They’re Baaack!

(9-16-09) Boston, Mass. – Sport in Society’s squad of student-athlete volunteers are trained and ready to make an impact on their community. Last week, Sport in Society staff trained new and former student-athlete service captains in its innovative Athletes in Service program.

“I think we are seeing a greater number of young adults understanding the importance of service in America,” said Jarrod Chin, manager of Athletes in Service at Sport in Society. “Since its inception over a decade ago, Athletes in Service has believed that colleges and universities can play an integral role in transforming our communities. At colleges, more and more, student athletes look to volunteer, AIS is a great way for them to serve society.”

The program, which pairs collegiate athletes with underserved youth to provide physical activity and mentorship, has seen unprecedented growth over the last year, expanding its reach across Boston, Mass and into Worcester, Mass. Student athletes from Northeastern University and Emmanuel College in Boston, Mass. and Clark University, the College of the Holy Cross and Assumption College in Worccester, Mass.

Said Chin, “In addition to the four colleges and universities AIS worked with last year, we are excited about adding Emmanuel College this fall! By expanding AIS, we know student-athletes will have a greater impact on the young people of Boston and Worcester this year!”

In Worcester, university athletic departments have teamed up with local elementary schools to help teachers run and organize games and more structured play during recess.  Assumption University student-athletes will work with the Chandler Elementary, while Clark University will work with the Jacob Hiatt Elementary, and the University of the Holy Cross will work with City View Elementary. University student-athletes will also sit with the elementary students during their lunch hour to provide mentorship and an opportunity for the elementary students to chat with college athletes.

Fitz Urban Youth Sports improves the health and well-being of urban youth through physical activity and healthy development initiatives. Our grassroots approach empowers entire communities to become leaders in achieving health and wellness. Working with community leaders, we drive initiatives that combine physical activity with important nutrition and life skills education that further enrich young lives. Fitz UYS’ role in the Athletes in Service model is to provide community collaboration, volunteer training, and efficient volunteer coordination for partnering athletic departments and community service partners.