By The TimesLedger
The City Parks Foundation introduced a fun way for children in New York to learn the basics of track and field, right in their own neighborhoods on July 15. The pilot program, called Starting Blocks, provides free coaching to boys and girls ages 8 to 14. Conducted in partnership with the Armory Track and Field Center, the program consists of hour and a half lessons held twice a week at the Astoria Park Track in Queens and the Red Hook Recreation Center in Brooklyn.
“Track and Field is one of the most mainstream sports there is,” said Mike Silverman, Director of Sports for City Parks Foundation. “Most young children already enjoy running, jumping, and throwing. Our goal is to spark an interest in organized track and field activities among city kids at an early age.”
The curriculum consists of instruction in javelin throwing, shot put, jumping, hurdles, sprints and relay races. The six-week program concludes with children displaying the basic skills learned during a track meet.
Starting Blocks is a program of the City Parks Foundation, a non-profit organization that enriches the lives of all New Yorkers through park-based programs in sports, arts and education.
Participants can register at each park when the program is in session. For more information call 699-4200.
2002 Site Schedule
Astoria Park Track 2
1 Street and Hoyt Avenue
Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to noon
Red Hook Recreation Center
Hicks and Henry Street, Brooklyn
Monday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to noon
