Clarksville, TN – May 31st, 2014 marked the conclusion of the 2013 – 2014 DreamChasers Program with a Youth Olympics competition between the 4 mentoring sites. This after school program is in its 2nd year and is a partnership between Clarksville Parks and Recreation and the LEAP Organization.
The purpose of this event was to unite youth enrolled in DreamChasers at the LEAP Plaza, Burt Cobb, Kleeman, and Crow Community Centers to participate in a competition that fostered team work and health/wellness while developing pride in their community. The games that the youth competed in were the Water Balloon Relay, Fitness Challenge, Basketball Shoot Out, Scooter Relay, and Rock Wall Climb Relay with the Crow Community Center under the leadership of Site Lead Jacqueline Irons winning 3 of the events to take home 1st Place.
Montgomery County Mayor Carolyn Bowers was present to light the Olympic torch and make a few remarks to congratulate the youth on reaching this milestone in their personal development. She had this to say, “I am excited for the young people in our community who chose to participate in the first DreamChasers Olympics.
DreamChasers is a program designed to broaden horizons and teach youth ways to be healthy in mind and body.”
The program has been held at each site one day a week with volunteers administering the Too Good for Drugs & Violence curriculum, leadership development, life skills training, career development, and community service learning opportunities.
“This partnership has been a blessing to LEAP. A lot of youth enrolled in our program have transportation issues and with us only having one van to transport them, many students would miss out on our group mentoring programs. The addition of the community centers as sites enables youth that live and go to school nearby to participate.” commented Executive Director Richard “Reason” Garrett
“DreamChaser’s has grown tremendously through this partnership and positively impacted over 80 students through the school year. I’m grateful for Clarksville Parks and Recreation giving me the opportunity and resources to make this program a success and look forward to its continued growth.” expressed Joseph Bailey, Recreational Programmer for Parks & Recreation.
The goal for this program is to expand from one day to five days per week as an after school program that offers several youth development programs and reinforces the CMCSS college and career academies. For more information on enrolling a student call Richard Garrett at 931.378.0500 or visit www.leaporg.net.