NCAA GRANT WILL PROMOTE SPORTS FOR DISADVANTAGED YOUTH

Southeast Missouri State University has received a $40,000 grant from the National Collegiate Athletic Association for a five-week, summer sports program for disadvantaged youth.

The National Youth Sports program of the NCAA is designed to help disadvantaged youth through sports in developing a positive image and self-esteem. The program also stresses nutrition and drug-free living.

"This is preparing a kid for life," said Edward Leoni, chairman of Southeast's health and leisure department, which is coordinating the summer program.

Leoni said he's a firm believer of the benefit of participating in sports and physical activities.

"It is a way to help them get in school, stay in school, maybe get a scholarship," Leoni said.

"The bottom line is 1 percent of minority athletes are going to get to the pros. We are going to prepare the other 99 percent for life, and for meaningful life," he said.

Southeast is one of 175 colleges and universities nationwide to receive a National Youth Sports grant.

The program at Southeast will run five days a week, 8 a.m.-noon, from June 8 to July 10.

It is open to 250 youngsters, ages 10 to 16, from Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City. Buses and vans will be used to transport them from pickup points to the university and back. Participants will also receive hot lunches and snacks.

The program will help develop competitive skills in 10 different sports soccer, swimming, basketball, track and field, football, gymnastics, fitness for life, outdoor adventure, volleyball and tennis.

Free physicals will be provided to those wishing to participate in the program. The physicals are required as part of the application process, Leoni said.

Applications are available by calling the health and leisure department at 651-2197. "We have limited space so they should contact us right away," said Leoni.

The $40,000 grant will be used to provide transportation for participants and pay for the coaching and auxiliary staff, Leoni said. Boatmen's Bank is also helping to sponsor the summer program.