Inner-City Games safe, free recreation for youths

Angela Soo

Wednesday, May 2, 2001 | 10:14 a.m.

Students enrolled in the Greater Las Vegas Inner-City Games never have to pay for playing sports.

While Clark County School District officials are proposing budget cuts that would require parents to pay for their children's extracurricular activities, the Inner-City Games serve as a buffer for parents who cannot afford the extra spending, organizers say.

"We keep the program free through public and private partnerships," Cassandra Cousineau of Inner-City Games said. "Our mission is to discourage youths from joining gangs by providing sports, educational, cultural and community enrichment programs."

Inner-City Games includes several sports and other activities for kids 7 to 17 through a five-month period, which began March 17 and concludes Aug. 25. The athletics include, soccer, tennis, basketball, track and field, volleyball, golf, bowling and swimming.

"Once my son turned 7, I enrolled him into the program," Jacolyn Lockard said. "He gets to be involved in a lot of sports that he would otherwise not be able to get involved in."

Jason Lockard, 10, has participated in almost all of the programs, she said.

"He plays tennis, golf, basketball, volleyball, track and field, bowling, and also participates in the art, chess, hip-hop dancing and drama/music programs," Jacolyn Lockard said.

Inner-City Games offers several other cultural enrichment programs, such as creative writing, computer camp and junior broadcasters. Every child who participates receives a medal and T-shirt. Free transportation is provided.

Patricia Owens enrolled her first child in 1997. Now all five of her children play in the Inner-City Games.

"My oldest daughter, who is 17, has developed a love for sports because of the Inner-City Games," Owens said. "It really inspired her to pursue sports in high school, and possibly as a career. She's become much more respectful and has acquired leadership skills."

Although the program focuses on the children who participate, parents also find personal ways to benefit from the activities.

"I see a lot of the same people over a period of time," Lockard said. "They're like your extended family."

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the national chairman of Inner-City Games and often attends the final celebration in Las Vegas each year. An estimated 2,000 volunteers helped out last year, and 13,000 students usually register for the games.

"Everybody just meshes together and pitches in," Lockard said. "It's not just about the games or academics, but about learning the games of life. Children gain valuable lessons in honesty and integrity."

For more information, call 382-5447.