In 1968, the University of Toledo became one of the first universities in the country to offer the National Youth Sports Pogram. The National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) was a national program federally funded and sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), up until 2005. NYSP provided economically disadvantaged youth, ages 10 to 16, the opportunity to receive daily sports instruction and educational programs.
The UT NYSP is proud to announce a new partnership with the Toledo Area Metroparks. This partnership will provide new and exciting opportunities for NYSP participants, including trips to Wildwood and Providence Metroparks and various other activities led by Metropark Naturalists. www.metroparkstoledo.com
Despite the loss of federal funding over the past several years, the University of Toeldo has continued to operate an NYSP camp for local youth each summer, albeit on a somewhat smaller scale. 2008 marks the 40th Anniversary of the NYSP and showcases the university's dedication to its community's young people.
Annually, we have been providing approximately 550 at-risk Toledo youth with enrichment and sports programs that have not only benefited the participants but also the entire community. The lack of federal support has forced us to drop the number of youth we serve down to about 225; despite this and other obstacles, we have continued to make a remarkable difference in the lives of our Toledo youth by providing them with a positive, nurturing and safe social and learning environment necessary for a successful future.
This year, the University of Toledo is one of only 31 other schools in the country still holding NYSP programs despite cuts in federal funding. Dr. Ruthie Kucharewski, Project Administrator for the UT program, and Coach Dennis Harris, Project Administrator for Case Western Reserve University, are working hard to advocate Ohio and Federal legislators to restore funding for 2009.
The success of our youth depends on us; a successful future depends on our youth. In 2004, the University of Toledo's National Youth Sports Program received the Silvio O. Conte Award of Excellence recognizing UT's NYSP as the best program in the Nation for 2004. This is the second year in a row that the UT NYSP has won this award which is a first for the program. The UT NYSP serves as a model program for other universities across the United States. This has not been an easy task. Those who have taken active roles in the program have been sensitive to the needs of our participants. Our staff consists of parents, principals, teachers, social workers, college students, UT student athletes, and other community and university leaders. The University of Toledo boasts an excellent participant-staff ratio of 10 to 1. With the ongoing support of our community, the University of Toledo's National Youth Sports Program will continue to be the benchmark for the best.
2008 Summer Program Updates
Dates for the 2008 Summer Program are June 9 through July 2. CAMP STARTS MONDAY JUNE 9th!
We are still accepting applications. Applications can be picked up in the NYSP Office in room 2270 in the Health Education Building, located at the bottom of the hill across from the football field.
Once completed, applications can be mailed to the address listed on them or dropped off to office 1003-G in Health Science and Human Services. If no one is in the office, speak with the secretary.
Your child(ren) MUST have a 2008 physical to participate in camp - a physical done in 2007 WILL NOT SUFFICE.
Please direct additional questions to Ryan Tester, NYSP Liaison at 419-530-2888.
The 2008 UT NYSP Program is dedicated to the memory of the late Norman Jamison, Sr. Norm worked tirelessly in support of the UT NYSP program for over 30 years. He is sorely missed.