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Recreation boosts community development
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From Aug. 5-21, millions of people around the world will tune in to watch the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. For those athletes, the journey to Rio required focus, dedication and persistence.
Some NeighborWorks network organizations offer sports and recreation programs that cultivate those same values in local residents. In this issue we look at how groups are helping youth by integrating athletics and sports into their community development work. |
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Olympic hopefuls help neighborhood youth train for success |
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For many Olympic athletes, it can be tough to both train for their sport and earn a living. Network member NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley has forged a unique partnership with New England Distance, connecting post-graduate athletes with the community.
Through its athlete-in-residence program, runners train for the Olympics and other special events while mentoring youngsters from the very neighborhood in which they live. With inspiration from the likes of Olympic athlete and board member Molly Huddle, there is no limit to where these runners can go. |
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Tennis can teach life skills |
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A group of Southern California youths are learning how to perfect their backhands and volleys from some top-notch tennis pros at a world-class facility. For the past 16 years NeighborWorks network member Coachella Valley Housing Coalition has partnered with the tennis pros at Indian Wells Tennis Garden and Rabobank to offer free tennis camps to local children.
Not only do the budding tennis players learn the game, but they also learn about critical life skills such as hard work, discipline and goal setting. |
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Community pools offer more than a place to swim |
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The United States is sending 49 swimmers to the 2016 Olympics to compete in team and individual events. Some of those swimmers likely spent time learning and perfecting their strokes in their community pools.
Neighborhood swimming pools can serve as a fun hangout spot for local children as well as the neighborhood meeting place. Read about how one of the winners of our 2015 Dorothy Richardson Resident Leadership Awards transformed her community pool into a neighborhood asset. |
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Rural group shows how to turn around a declining neighborhood |
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Just over two years ago, Rural Neighborhoods qualified for a grant from NeighborWorks America's Stable Communities program. The nonprofit used it to turn around one of Florida's poorest cities. |
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