Inner-City Games open with soccer

Friday, April 11, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

More than 1,500 youths are expected to participate in soccer clinics from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday for the Greater Las Vegas Inner-City Games.

The sites for the second week of clinics are J.D. Smith Middle School-Hartke Park, 1301 E. Tonopah Ave.; Roy Martin Middle School-Hadland Park, 2800 E. Stewart Ave.; and Cashman Middle School, 4622 W. Desert Inn Road.

Under a new format this year, the Games offer clinics in three zones throughout the valley, which will allow youths to participate in events at their local schools. Organizers hope this will result in greater participation and foster a positive neighborhood presence.

"By bringing the Games into the neighborhood, we try to further reduce barriers, such as transportation, that will prevent kids from participating," said Susie Lee, executive director. "More important, we show the kids that we are invested in their community by bringing the Games into their neighborhood."

Soccer is the first of eight sports to be offered during the six-month festival. Others are basketball, martial arts, swimming, track and field, tennis, volleyball and hip-hop dance.

The Games also sponsor an art and writing contest and a junior broadcaster program. More than 12,000 youths are expected to take advantage of the free programs this year.

The official "opening ceremony" of the Games was scheduled to take place this afternoon at Roy Martin Middle School. Civic leaders, local and state dignitaries and corporate sponsors of the Games were expected to attend.

All the activities of Games are designed to offer kids a fun, positive and rewarding alternative to gangs, drugs and violence.

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