Blast Initiate Community Programs Geared at Youth Development
December 16, 2002 - A-League (A-League)
Indiana Blast News Release
INDIANAPOLIS-Community involvement has been the cornerstone of the Blast organization since its inception in 1997. Following this principle, the Blast have initiated three programs geared at the development of today's youth. These programs are Blast and ME-TOBACCO FREE, BLAST into READING, and Indiana Blast Crusade for Health. Blast players and coaches captivate young audiences, empowering them with the ability to encourage positive lifestyle decisions through these community programs individually outlined below:
Blast and ME-TOBACCO FREE-Founded in 2002, this program encourages students (generally grades 4-8) to make a conscious and educated decision to remain tobacco free and rewards them for doing so.
We provide parents and educators with free materials intended to stimulate discussion. Students are then asked to write a brief essay on why THEY intend to remain tobacco free. Completed essays are redeemed for a free ticket to the Blast and ME-TOBACCO FREE game day celebration!
CRUSADE for HEALTH-This school assembly program speaks to students on good nutrition, say "NO" to drugs, tobacco and alcohol. A strong emphasis is also placed on the importance of teamwork and other character-building skills.
Where audio/video equipment is available, the assembly will be opened with a 3-minute video about the team. Following a brief introduction, players will involve students in skills demonstrations and activities. Lastly, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, the players will discuss the importance of making healthy lifestyle decisions and will answer questions from the students.
BLAST into READING-Blast players make regular visits to schools promoting the importance of reading as a life skill. These visits may take the form of 6-8 weekly player visits made to the same classroom or grade level -OR- teachers and administrators may wish to launch an all-school BLAST into READING program, with the aid of a single-day event involving the entire Blast team.
With a read-a-thon approach to reading, BLAST into READING rewards students for their accomplishments, culminating with an in-stadium event, built around an Indiana Blast game (TBD). Based on the number of pages or minutes read, classroom teachers establish appropriate criteria and monitor student progress, making the program adaptable to all grade levels. BLAST into READING programs are usually facilitated during the Spring (February-May).
Every day our children are faced with important decisions. Unfortunately, in today's society much of what they see and hear does not help them to make positive lifestyle decisions for themselves. It is our mission to provide positive role modeling for boys and girls of all ages-both on and off the field.
For more information on these programs or to schedule an appearance for your school or organization, contact Blast Community Relations Director-Erin Lower at (317) 585-9203 of via the internet at erin@indianablast.com.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING WITH THE BLAST-Blast Holiday Packs and Season Tickets make GREAT gifts! For a LIMITED TIME ONLY fans can purchase the perfect Holiday Pack stocking stuffer. The Holiday Pack is just $39.95 and is available through December 20th. All orders will be shipped within 72 hours. Log onto www.indianablast.com for Holiday Pack information.
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A-League Stories from December 16, 2002
- Blast Initiate Community Programs Geared at Youth Development - Indiana Blast
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