JCSU's National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) the Largest in the State

CHARLOTTE, NC - The National Youth Sports Program held on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University is the largest in the state of North Carolina with 512 participants. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is second with 503 followed by North Carolina Central University with 473, according to data submitted for the 2002 program. As of June 17, 2003 there were 540 children enrolled in the 2003 program, which began on Monday, June 16, 2003.

Steve Joyner, head men's basketball coach and NYSP activity director for over 25 years had this to say about the program: " I think the fact that we have been entrusted with the largest participation in the state of North Carolina is an indication of how JCSU has seen the value of the National Youth Sports Program. Value, in terms of community service for disadvantaged youth of Charlotte, getting them into a college setting and showing them the benefits of higher education through a sports program."

Nationally, NYSP is conducted at 200 institutions of higher learning in 49 states and the District of Columbia with over 75,000 participants. The program, which is in its 35th year of existence, emphasizes sports instruction and substance abuse prevention for youth ages 10 - 16, who reside with low-income families. Of the eight Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) member institutions in the state of North Carolina, seven participate in this worthwhile program.

All enrolled participants receive free instruction in nine sports as well as in alcohol and drug prevention, nutrition and personal health, career opportunities and job responsibilities and higher education. Direct services provided to each participant include a free medical examination, breakfast snack and hot lunch daily, transportation to Johnson C. Smith University and accident-medical insurance during program hours.

• National Youth Sports Program
  FACT SHEET (2002 Actual Enrollment)
  
  NORTH CAROLINA

  Concord - Barber-Scotia College - 285

  Charlotte - Johnson C. Smith University - 512

  Durham - North Carolina Central University - 473

  Elizabeth City - Elizabeth City State University - 300

  Fayetteville - Fayetteville State University - 304

  Greensboro - North Carolina A&T State Univ. - 503

  Raleigh - St. Augustine's College - 358

  Salisbury - Livingstone College - 269

  Sanford - Central Carolina Comm. College - 337

  Winston-Salem - Winston-Salem State Univ. - 430