New Orleans, LA – August 9, 2010 - City Council President Arnie Fielkow is pleased to announce the outstanding feedback he received from last week’s youth trip to the Vero Beach Sports Village. The Councilman was instrumental in organizing the trip, along with the New Orleans Public Library and Minor League Baseball.
Youth enjoyed pool-side meals during the trip to Vero Beach Sports Village
Reported one chaperone: “The bus ride to Florida was quiet, full of kids that did not know each other. Yet the return trip was full of giggles and chatter.” Indeed, the kids were exchanging contact information before they all went home to their separate neighborhoods and prepared for their first days of the new school year. “After spending a week together, we all felt like family,” said Kobe Dumas, a 12 year old that participated in the trip.
According to another participant, 15 year old Jazmyn Scott, the best parts of the trip were all of the sports they participated in, from swimming to volleyball, tennis, basketball and baseball. “There were also a lot of educational speeches. They told us things like we should sit at the front of the classroom and be ready to learn. I think I will make all A’s this year!” said Jazmyn.
Sharon Robinson (2nd from right) visits with youth after her program about breaking barriers
The kids also responded to Jackie Robinson’s daughter, Sharon Robinson, who spoke about her father breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, as well as the importance he placed on family. Overall, the trip combined a variety of activities to prepare the kids for the 2010-2011 school year.
“While NORD Reform continues to top my list of priorities and long-term goals for the City, I feel that trips such as this one bypass government bureaucracy and have an immediate and positive effect on our youth,” said Council President Fielkow.
The forty youth, ages 12-15, were chosen to participate in the trip to Vero Beach Sports Village based on essays they wrote about how they feel about New Orleans 2010. The four day/five night educational and recreational experience was funded through the following sponsors: 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.
Contact:
Danielle Viguerie
Communications Director
Office of Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow
Ph: 504-658-1063
daviguerie@cityofno.com
