Many believe that at-risk youths need the benefits of organized sports to help them mature into well rounded and safety conscious adults. While this is true, sometimes these programs need to reach beyond the field of play to mold today’s youths into tomorrow’s world-ready adults.
Sports consultant and Minister Lecelle Providence wants to provide services beyond what is expected of an athletic training program. She is dedicated to empowering and educating youngsters through sports and life. That’s why she founded IMPAC (Intense Motivational Positive Aggressive Competitive) Performance Inc.
“Performance is what life wants, in both school and in the job market,” said Providence. “I want to teach them the characteristics society looks for so that they can survive.”
Providence started IMPAC for underprivileged kids five years ago, so now students who worked with her in the past are now coming back to help train the new class of athletes. The fact that her students have gone on to become successful college students tells Providence that her program helps.
“Our trainers and volunteers are certified in physical therapy,” she said. “They come back and they feel good that they’re helping a new batch of kids.”
IMPAC Performance Inc. provides at-risk youth ages 7-19 with access to training services in basketball. She also provides the boys and girls with counseling and reading courses through school mentoring programs.
“I work with the underdogs,” she said. “These are not the best kids, but I train them to become better all around.”
The Development Winter League starts in January for ages 7-19 at P.S. 134 in Hollis. The registration deadline is January 29 and her Obesity Fitness Program begins in February.
Call Minister Providence at 917-399-1921 or visit www.ballsaints.org for more information on her non-profit organization.
“My goal is to have a phenomenal league of 50 to 55 kids for 2010 who want to develop their athletic skills and also assist those who have self esteem issues or confidence problems,” she said.
