Contact:
Danielle Viguerie
Ph: 504-658-1063
Council President Fielkow and New Orleans Youth
Hit a Home Run with Trip to Vero Beach Sports Village
New Orleans, LA – August 2, 2010 – Tomorrow, 40 New Orleans youth, ages 12 – 15, will be traveling to the Vero Beach Sports Village, formerly Dodgertown – the long-time training home for the LA Dodgers and, at one time, the New Orleans Saints. The trip to Florida, organized by City Council President Arnie Fielkow, the New Orleans Public Library, Vero Beach Sports Village and Minor League Baseball, will incorporate cultural aspects, such as a ‘Breaking Barriers’ program with Jackie Robinson’s daughter Sharon; fitness awareness programs, such as a baseball clinic with former Major League Baseball player Darrell Miller; as well as programs on how to get involved in the community and ‘Pay it Forward’, among other fun activities, such as going to the beach.
New Orleans is the first city to be offered such an opportunity, making this event even more special. “While I am currently working diligently to reform the New Orleans Recreation Department for the long-term wellbeing of our youth, it is unique programs like this trip to Vero Beach that offer them experiences, both educational and recreational, outside of their communities, thus broadening their horizons,” said Councilmember Fielkow.
The children were selected based on essays they wrote on how they feel about New Orleans in 2010. Excerpts from several essays are below:
“My city has taught me how to successfully and constantly overcome great obstacles with the utmost poise and grace.” – Joseph Cheatham, age 12
“I try to think of New Orleans as a flower that had its stem cut off when Hurricane Katrina happened. But now, I am a gardener and try to water my city with love and support, so that it can grow back into the beautiful fleur de lis that it used to be.” – Jazmyn Scott, age 15
“If we put our minds to it, we can conquer anything. New Orleans is a strong city.” – Etienne Favorite, age 12
“We have to encourage kids to stay in school and each of us needs to be an example for others.” – Kobe Dumas, age 12
“I am concerned that the City has not fully addressed the health care needs of our poorest citizens.” – Joyce Perry, age 14
“Communities are becoming stronger, schools are improving, and the City’s faith is stronger than ever.” – Malika Howard, age 15
Sponsors of the trip include: Capital One Bank, AT&T, New Orleans Public Library Foundation, Guste Homes Resident Management Corporation, the Housing Authority of New Orleans and the Laitram Foundation. Media Sponsors are: WBOK radio and WWL radio.
