URBAN YOUTH SPORTS

1998

BOSTON, MA -- The Boston Youth Sports Congress, a partnership between Sport in Society and the City of Boston, held its second public meeting, an informative and progressive mid-year report on June 27, 1998 at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center at Roxbury Community College.

Sport in Society representatives staffed more than 45 committee meetings that were held in the last six months. A running scroll was used to graphically display the accomplishments and recommendations made by panel members and other participants in the Congress.

By the end of the day, the scroll had reached 50 feet into the rafters. Over the last six months, much progress has been made to organize the effort to develop sports opportunities for young people in Boston.

Three panels were presented to deliver the progress thus far. The Urban Girls and Healthy Development panel was facilitated by Ellen Payzant, Director of the Active Girls. Of specific interest was a new model for integrating youth sports into neighborhood health centers that was presented by (now former) Urban Youth Sports Co-Director Art Taylor.

The Program Development and Academics and Sport panel was moderated by Peter Roby of Reebok International, Ltd. A major contribution came from Donna Harris Lewis, director of the Reggie Lewis Foundation, who spoke of the need to work with children while they are young.

The Transportation, Facilities and Disabilities panel was directed by Stephen Spinetto, Commissioner for people with disabilities for the City of Boston.

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino is interviewed by a high school student at the 1998 Boston Youth Sports Congress, co-presented by Sport in Society, the City of Boston, and Reebok International Ltd.