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Beneficiaries |
Kansas Youth
The facts:
Nationally, more than 11 million children have been diagnosed as clinically obese. This number is not shrinking. Heart disease and diabetes are no longer a problem striking the middle-aged; it is now wreaking havoc on our youth. The American Heart Association has documented cases of very young children suffering from strokes. Currently, Kansas ranks as the 27th fattest state in the U.S., with more than 25% of the state’s population obese and 75% over-weight. Among the Kansas WIC population the overweight prevalence has doubled since 1994.
Bearing all these staggering statistics in mind, it is ironic that many tax dependent institutions are being forced to cut back and their choices have led to eliminating organized sports and physical education programs. In Lawrence and across the state of Kansas, middle school sports have been suspended by public schools. The Lawrence Parks and Recreation department hasn’t built a new public recreation facility in more 25 years. The residual effects of these budget cuts could prove fatal for our area youth.
Why Bill’s Basketball Boogie:
Kansas Basketball Coach, Bill Self, recognizes that action needs to be taken. Through his personal interactions with thousands of young people across the country, he has observed the difference that caring adults, adequate education, and accessible athletic facilities can make in the lives of student development.
Strong parental guidance and a well-rounded education form a solid foundation; a foundation that many students may not currently have. Coach Self has observed that students who have the opportunity to participate in athletics through organized sports at an early age are far more likely to succeed than those who do not. Competitive sports provide experiences that encourage young people to become physically and emotionally mature.
At a time when our country has identified obesity as another critical threat to today’s youth, Coach Self is very concerned with the loss of community and tax-based based programs, and wants to engage all of us to take action.
Where the money goes:
The funds generated through this event will be used to design and build a campus that will provide kids with a new and safe place to play and learn how to live healthy lives. The campus and all new and rehabilitated facilities that receive funding from Assists will provide families with a place to participate in organized sports , practice wellness, and develop healthy habits. This effort is being fueled by the discontinuance of school, city, and government funded physical education programs.
The Assists board of directors has approached several architects to aid in the conceptualization of a campus and has met with other community leaders to understand where the greatest needs exist. Our next task is to identify real estate for the developments in the greater Lawrence/Kansas City area, allowing several communities to benefit from efforts. The projected project cost will be revealed at the Boogie. And, once the location and final budget are established, construction of a campus will proceed.
The board feels that this campus will be wonderful for KU and our community, but most importantly, it will foster healthy living habits and prevent a generation of children from being the first in history to have shorter life spans than their parents. |
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