Senator Golden And City Parks Foundation Announce 2007 Summer Season Of Free Sports Instruction For Kids In Brooklyn Parks

Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C, Brooklyn) and David Rivel today announced the City Parks Foundation free sports instruction for kids, ages 5-16, offered in Dyker Beach Park, McKinley Park, and Marine Park this summer.

Youth are welcome to participate in free golf, and tennis programs this July and August, offered for beginners in each sport as well as for those at intermediate and advanced levels. Those interested in participating can call 718-760-6999 or visit http://www.CityParksFoundation.org"www.
CityParksFoundation.org.

David Rivel, Executive Director of the City Parks Foundation said, "When kids participate in our free sports instruction programs they learn something they can enjoy for their entire lives, they develop a strong connection to the outdoors, to healthy activity, and to practices that lead to success in all aspects of life. City Parks Foundation appreciates the support of Senator Martin J. Golden in helping us offer these vital programs to the kids of the 22nd Senate District"

Senator Marty Golden stated "The City Parks Foundation maintains an outstanding reputation for educating the youth of Brooklyn and our City through free sports instruction in our parks. This summer will be no different as they embark on a summer season of learning and fun for the children. I look forward to visiting these programs, encourage parents to register their children for either golf or tennis, and I am proud to strongly support this summertime education that will build character, develop a love of fitness, and create an understanding of teamwork in our local parks."

By offering structured fitness activity for more than 10,000 kids each summer, City Parks Foundation is helping to address well-documented health challenges faced by youth in New York City, including childhood obesity.

"By sponsoring these free programs for our city’s young people, City Parks Foundation is taking on an active role in the fight against childhood obesity," said William Gibbs, MD, Director of Rehabilitation Medicine for Queens Hospital Center. "While we know that changes in diet are imperative, the fact is that eating healthier foods must go hand-in-hand with assuming a more active lifestyle. Sports are a vital outlet for our youth and the key to grasping the importance of teamwork, achieving goals and attaining personal self-esteem. I commend City Parks Foundation for introducing free sports instruction to our kids and at the same time, helping to promote a better way of life for them in the long run."

A detailed citywide schedule for all three of City Parks Foundation’s youth sports instruction programs is available athttp://www.CityParksFoundation.org"www.CityParksFoundation.org.
CityParks Tennis makes the sport freely available to those who want to learn the game in a fun, relaxed environment. Tennis instruction is available in three skill levels: Peewee (ages 5-7), Beginner (ages 8 and up), and Intermediate (determined by ability). The program, which will be offered at McKlinley Park, Marine Park, and Dyker Beach Park in the 22nd Senate District, concludes with a tournament held at Central Park for beginners and a tournament at Flushing Meadow Park for intermediates titled the JPMorgan Chase Aces Tournament. The program also offers intermediate and advanced players the opportunity to participate in a tournament series and tennis academy.

CityParks Golf provides the most accessible way for children in New York City to learn the sport, in neighborhood parks and at local golf courses through two, four-week sessions. The program will be offered at Dyker Beach Park and Marine Park in 2007. The first beginner session starts on July 2nd and runs through August 1st, and the second session starts on July 30th and runs through August 29th. CityParks Golf also offers more advanced instruction through its Intermediate Program and through its acclaimed Junior Golf Academy.

For CityParks Tennis participants register at each park when the program is in session. For CityParks Golf, participants are asked to pre-register online at http://www.CityParksFoundation.org"www.CityParksFoundation.org or call (718) 760-6999 to request an application.

City Parks Foundation is the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. The organization works in over 700 parks citywide, presenting a broad range of free arts, sports and education programs and helping citizens to support their parks on a local level. Its programs and community-building initiatives reach more than 600,000 New Yorkers each year, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout New York City.
In all of its programming and activities, City Parks Foundation partners with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to improve neighborhood parks and the communities they serve.

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