Inner-City Games volunteers thanked

Monday, Oct. 28, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

In recognition of the effort and commitment shown by more than 2,500 volunteers who helped put on the 1996 Greater Las Vegas Inner-City Games, officials are holding a volunteer appreciation party from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

It will be in the outdoor amphitheater at the Clark County Government Center, 500 Grand Central Parkway.

"We are holding this special party for the many, many volunteers who stepped forward to make the Inner-City Games' first year in Las Vegas an overwhelming success," said Susie Lee, executive director of the Greater Las Vegas Inner-City Games.

"The support we received from this community throughout the past year was just awesome. With more than 2,500 area residents donating their time to help these kids, it shows how much Las Vegas cares about its future -- the youth of Las Vegas."

Elaine Wynn, co-chairwoman of the Games, said: "The Inner-City Games is about providing hope and opportunities to kids through free educational and sporting activities that promote the value of hard work, discipline, dedication and teamwork.

"Our volunteers have displayed all of these characteristics and, in doing so, are great role models for our participants. There are no losers with the Inner-City Games. The kids win and the community wins and we are very proud of both."

The Greater Las Vegas Inner-City Games is a festival of sports and educational events for all Las Vegas area youths ages 7 to 17.

Kids participate in free beginner clinics and competitions in 12 sports: flag football, basketball, softball, boxing, martial arts, golf, soccer, swimming, track and field, volleyball, tennis and hip-hop. The Games also sponsored a junior broadcaster program and an art and writing contest.

The Inner-City Games began in Los Angeles in 1991 in response to the growing problems facing inner-city youth. The Games offer youth an alternative to gangs, drugs and violence. With the support of actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, thousands of kids have since taken part in the annual event that has now expanded to 10 major cities.