Governor's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports

Park Program In The Spotlight

FUNdamentals Sports

BRONZE MEDALIST

The following rationale for consideration was submitted for this Spotlight Award:

FUNdamentals Sports is a low cost after-school program for children in Kindergarten through Sixth grade who are interested in learning new or enhancing existing skills in basketball, baseball and soccer. Making up where traditional youth sports programs fall short, FUNdamentals is offered BEFORE the typical sports season (Soccer in Spring, Basketball in Fall and Baseball in Winter, allowing children to experience a sport without the commitment to play on a team or in competitive games. For those children who have played in a traditional youth sports setting; they have an additional season to play the sport they love and enhance their skills. Program results indicate that children who have never participated in a youth sports league are now participating due to their experience with FUNdamentals and often after participating in FUNdamentals for one sport children will sign up for a new sport that they have never played.

FUNdamentals takes place in an environment of success; all children (regardless of age or ability) will enjoy the numerous benefits of recreational sports. The FUNdamentals program design groups children based on ability NOT age (contrary to traditional youth sports); this allows for appropriate skill development. Whether a seasoned player or new to the sport, the program is beneficial to all.

In order to meet the needs of children with special needs, FUNdamentals provides inclusive opportunities such as: adaptive curriculum, individualized skill development and one-on-one support assistance. In addition, program staff and volunteers are trained and experienced in Adaptive Recreation and Advanced Behavior Analysis resulting in children with special needs receiving the kind of accommodations needed in order to be successful in a sports setting. Typically underserved in mainstream youth sports leagues, at FUNdamentals children with special needs gain the confidence needed to support a lifelong joy of sports.

More Park Programs In The Spotlight

Los Angeles

Watts Cluster
GOLD MEDALIST The following rationale for consideration was submitted for this Spotlight Award: The Watts Cluster program is a collaboration between Los Angeles City Recreation & Parks Department and People for Parks to offer an active recreation program for the youth in Watts. The program is designed to build community and increase life chances for these kids. Watts is a vibrant community with a diverse population but it is ... Read More »

Sacramento

Project Hype
SILVER MEDALIST The following rationale for consideration was submitted for this Spotlight Award: Project HYPE provides a positive environment for children to build self esteem and healthier bones and muscles and reduce the risk of diseases, such as Type-2 diabetes. HYPE - developing Healthy Youth for Physical Excellence – wants the 25% of Sacramento County’s youth who are inclined to obesity to learn the importance of nutrition, healthful eating, ... Read More »

Award Winners by Year: 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011

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