Successful Star Powered Sports Faire

Keeps At-Risk Youth Physically Fit

More than 350 San Bernardino County foster and kinship youth ages 11-18 participated in the 6^th Annual Foster and Kinship Youth Sports Faire on Saturday, June 9, 2012, at San Bernardino Valley College .  The faire is designed to provide youth with an opportunity to learn the fundamental skills of team sports, sportsmanship and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  This year’s theme, “Tackling Life’s Challenges Thru Education, Physical Activity and Sports,” mirrors today’s economy and the challenges these youth face as foster, kinship and at-risk youth. 

Opening ceremonies included guest speaker Dennis Powell, formerly of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who spoke to the youth about how he tackled life’s challenges and hardships to become a success at what he loves, along with morning warm-ups and stretches from Laura Brumund of California Family Life Center who worked her way through the challenges of losing a leg in a horrific car accident and now triumphs as an exercise instructor.

The Faire featured eight sports clinics and free foster parent and caregiver training.  Sports clinics included:  football, basketball, softball, baseball, soccer, track and field, cheerleading/dance and added this year, volleyball. 

Many professional athletes and mentors volunteered their time to teach the youth the importance of an education and staying physically active.   Among a few of the mentors were: Keith Closs, formerly of the LA Clippers; Ron Brown, former track and field Olympian and Vincent Brown with the San Diego Chargers.

The Faire is sponsored in part by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors, Children and Family Services, Children’s Fund, Children’s Network, County Probation, In-n-Out, San Bernardino Valley College and Cucamonga Christian Fellowship.