Beginning in October, FIRM started hosting a Saturday Sports program on the FIRM campus. This has been accomplished through a unique partnership with Fresno State University (Craig School of Business) and with Every Neighborhood Partnership (which operates Saturday Sports sites throughout the city). After Executive Director, Zachary Darrah spoke at a class at Fresno State University, a student group selected this program as their semester-long project. This group will coordinate with Every Neighborhood Partnership, do outreach and be the main volunteers to run the program.
On each Saturday, the kids from the neighborhood come to the FIRM campus at 9:00 AM to begin playing sports such as soccer, football, baseball and basketball. The kids that do not want to play sports can work on arts and crafts in the community room with volunteers. There is a water break around 10:30 and then lunch is served at 11:45. This is a great way to provide healthy and active options for kids on Saturdays that may not otherwise have this opportunity. The Fresno State students also act as positive role models for the kids. Part of the project for the students is also to develop a sustainability plan to continue the program after their semester is complete.
We would like to thank Fresno State University and Every Neighborhood Partnership (provides lunch and sports equipment) for their partnership in this awesome youth program! If you would be interested in volunteering in the Saturday Sports program please contact us by email or (559) 487-1500.