The kids of East Boston get a financial boost

(9-15-06) BOSTON, Mass. - The Center for the Study of Sport in Society�s Health Connection Program received a large boost for its East Boston Neighborhood Health Center this summer. More than 130 youth will benefit from the generous $25,000 donation of Scott Black, president of Delphi Management Company.

�In the past, Black has helped inner city children by supporting health focused programming. His mother, Selma Black, spearheaded several initiatives to improve the lives of disadvantaged children, women, and senior citizens at risk,� commented Allyce Najimy, the senior associate director at Sport in Society.

Youth engaged in the, Let�s Get Moving Program from the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, are from the East Boston, Winthrop, Chelsea, and Rivera communities and are struggling with obesity. Through this initiative, summer campers attend informational sessions on health awareness and nutrition, participate in a variety of physical activities, and go on field trips.

The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center is one of six health centers that are a part of Sport in Society�s Urban Youth Sport�s Health Connections program. Health Connections focuses on nutrition, physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices. Youth sports health coordinators are placed in neighborhood health centers to collaborate with health care providers, community leaders, and parents.

�The grant has enabled us to expand our summer programming. We have taken campers to Spectacle Island to build kites and go on nature walks; and are hoping to walk in the Colombian Independence Day Parade,� Alden Caldwell, the youth sports health coordinator at East Boston Neighborhood Health Center.

The unique programming of Health Connections has provided 9,500 physical activity opportunities for youth throughout Boston.

�We are growing the next generation of leaders by helping them develop in a healthy way top be productive little citizens� proclaims Najimy.

About the Center for the Study of Sport in Society
The Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University is one of the world�s leading social justice organizations that use sport to create social change both nationally and internationally. The flagship organization located in the heart of Boston, Mass. was founded in 1984 by Dr. Richard Lapchick. Through research, education, and advocacy the center promotes physical activity, health, violence prevention, and diversity among young people and college and professional athletes. Sport in Society�s innovative programs are all staffed by former college or professional athletes and have been awarded America�s most successful violence prevention program by Lou Harris, the Peter F. Drucker Award as the most innovative non-profit program in the social sector, and most recently was recognized by the Boston Red Sox for its dedication and service to the community.