The NCAA News - News and Features

The NCAA News -- March 1, 1999

Olympic committee recognizes NYSP with special award

The National Youth Sport Program (NYSP) recently was honored as "Program of the Year" by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

The program earned the USOC's Rings Of Gold Award, which recognizes programs dedicated to helping children develop their Olympic dreams and reach their highest athletics and personal potential. The award was created in 1996 by the USOC's Committee for Athlete Identification and Development to honor individuals and programs that might not otherwise receive recognition.

The NYSP was honored with the award February 13 during the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association's Super Show.

"The USOC takes pride in honoring individuals and programs that contribute to the positive development of youth and help nurture their Olympic dreams," said USOC Executive Director Richard D. Schultz. "Through Rings of Gold, we're able to recognize the driving forces, such as grass-roots programs that help children become successful athletes and productive citizens."

More than 180 NCAA colleges and universities offer programs in conjunction with the NYSP. Since it was developed in 1989, the NYSP has provided athletics instruction and education for youth, many of whom are from low-income families. The NYSP helps to develop youth into productive citizens by focusing on substance-abuse prevention, career education, nutrition and proper health practices.

Among other initiatives, the NYSP also conducts a five-week summer camp and provides USDA-approved meals, accident and medical insurance for each participant and a medical exam before activities begin.

In 1998 alone, more than 69,000 participants enrolled in NYSP programs.