Kids Corner: Spring Youth Day 1998

By Erin Arruda

JULIA TIERNAN/YH

On the morning of Sat., Apr. 18, over 100 of Yale's student-athletes and more than 350 New Haven youngsters congregated at the the Yale Bowl and surrounding facilities for the fourth annual Spring Olympic Youth Day. Organized by the student-run Community Outreach Committee (COC) under the direction of Associate Director of Athletics Tim Ford and Dave Lewicki, TC '97, the day included clinics in hockey, basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee run by Yale coaches and team members.

"Youth Day is a really great day for both the kids and the athletes who volunteer their time," varsity field hockey and ice hockey player Sue Barnes, DC '00, said. Barnes, along with Priscilla Trevino, PC '98, coordinated the event. "It's one of the best days at Yale," she continued. "Lots of work goes into it, but it's a lot of fun too, and it's great to see so many athletes out there with the kids." The spring event features an Opening Ceremonies with each team representing a country. Following the clinics and lunch, the participants can stay to cheer on the Bulldogs in several afternoon contests.

"There aren't many things that I get excited about waking up so early on a Saturday morning for, but Youth Day is definitely one of them," field hockey player and COC student recruitment coordinator Courtney Lane, SY '00, said. "This is a great chance to get involved in the community--the kids look up to Yale athletes so much."

Others agreed with this assessment of the benefits that the athletes can give--and gain--from such interaction with local children. Track athlete Tara Cronin, JE '00, recalled being amazed at "how quickly the kids respond to you after being at your clinic for 15 minutes. It makes you realize how much the kids look up to you as an athlete, and how much of an impact you could make with more time."

While the majority of those involved are varsity athletes, the COC welcomes all interested club, intramural, or recreational athletes. Besides Youth Days, members are involved in several elementary and middle school tutoring and mentoring programs, two buddy programs, and arranging hospital visits for the students.

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