The University of Toledo

Program History and Objectives

Program History and Objectives

NYSP History
In 1968, representatives of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports piloted the NYSP concept during the summer at two university athletics facilities. On March 17, 1969, the White House announced that the federal government was committing $3 million to establish a sports program for economically disadvantages youth, to be call the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP). For years the federal grant had significantly increased  with strong congressional support  for NYSP program objectives. Funding appropriations were renewed on an annual basis until NYSP funding was cut in 2005.  Several programs, including the University of Toledo's NYSP continue to serve the community through partnerships and private donations.

Program Objectives

A.To Expand the opportunities for disadvantaged youth to benefit from sports-skill instruction, engage in sports competition and improve their physical fitness

B. To Help young people acquire good health practices, to help them become better citizens and to acquaint them with career and educational opportunities by using the personnel and facilities of institutions of higher education
C. To enable institutions and their personnel to participate more fully in community life and in the solution of community problems.

D. To provide a combination of employment and on-the-job training in sports instruction and administration.

E. To serve disadvantaged areas in the major metropolitan centers of the United States and other areas of need, within the limits of program resources.

Project Organization
Participating institutions donate the services of a project administrator and are responsible for selection of a qualified staff to conduct project activities. Expert instruction and competent supervision are available along with the use of superior facilities that many youngsters ordinarily might not have a chance to use and enjoy. The project is organized into an educational program and an activity program.

Community Participation
Community support for NYSP is vital to the success of the program. this support enhances coordination and results in more effective use of outside resources. An advisory committee made up of local business and civic leaders provides advice and recommendations for the institutional staff of NYSP, relative to community needs.

Special Services
Each Participant receives a free medical examination administered before participation in NYSP. Any previously undetected physical problems that are identified receive adequate follow-up treatment. In addition, a minimum of one USDA-approved meal is covered by an accident-medical insurance policy, and liability insurance is provided for sponsoring institutions.

Youth Participation
Boys and girls 10 through 16 years old are eligible to participate in NYSP. A minimum of 90 percent of the participants in each project must meet poverty income guidelines as determined by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

NYSP Staff
NYSP provides maximum feasible employment opportunities in all staff categories. Each project attempts to recruit a staff sensitive to the needs and problems of it participants. The overall participant-staff ratio falls within the range from 10-to-1 to 20-to-1. Each staff has a nucleus of trained professionals, such as coaches, physical education instructors, elementary school teaches and intramural supervisors, assisted by student-athletes and others who are capable of supervising youth sports activities.