A Sporting Chance

With Nike behind them, St. John residents team up to improve youth sports programs.

by Luigi Costello
One of the simplest and most essential childhood experiences requires only two things - a grass field and a ball. To ensure that St. John's youths get lots of those positive, formative experiences, Nike and a group of St. John residents, including me, have teamed up to keep kids out there playing.
Using Sports for Social Change is a St. John-based initiative spearheaded by Dean Doeling, a senior design production artist with Nike, and a sometimes vacationer to St. John. USSC's primary purpose is to support local sporting programs that are already in place, with fundraising, community education and sporting equipment donated by Nike. Furthermore, USSC is trying to resurrect some failed sporting programs and provide play days where kids from all classes and cultures can come together for and participate in sports-based games and skill challenges.
We are at the crossroads with sporting programs here in the Virgin Islands, and as private citizens we can make a difference. By working together with other local groups and organizations we can set an example for other communities by working together for the greater good of our children. Kids just want to play, and it is our obligation to provide them with the opportunities to do this safely and happily.
We can all look back on our childhood and pinpoint the moments and events that shaped us - what will the youth of St. John remember about sports here? This is where we can make a difference.
If you are passionate about sports and a brighter future for St. John's youth, come join USSC! We are looking for input and ideas from all sectors of the community, and we will need a lot of volunteers to assist in the Just Play day that is slated for Monday, October 12. This youth gathering will be the inaugural event for our group and will provide a fun-filled day for all St. John children.
To date Nike has donated over 230 sporting balls and 20 baseball gloves to St. John. As with any organization we are only as good as our members and supporters. Please contact me or Dean Doeling at Nike if you want to help in any way.
Thank you and be well.

Luigi Costello is a St. John resident, parent, and avid runner. To find out more about Using Sports for Social Change you can email him at stjohnrunner@gmail.com or Dean Doeling at dean.doeling@nike.com. You can also check out their website at http://usingsportforsocialchange.com

August 2009