SPORTS & RECREATION
offer youth a chance to improve their behavior and attitude and help in developing overall self-image through sports. Sports allow us to reach youth who are difficult to reach through other programs; through sports, we are able to impact their lives in other ways. Sports teach the value of teamwork, develop leadership skills, and enhance overall development and learning. We place emphasis on cooperation rather than competition and on effort not outcome and stress cooperation rather than outstanding performance. We strive to operate this program with the best interest of the youth as our primary objective. Sports programs help promote and develop sportsmanship, leadership, physical fitness and offers educational opportunities.
PINGs greatest number of participants is concentrated in athletics. The primary emphasis on athletics is in the active sports, where all eligible and interested youth, male and female, have the opportunity to participate in other areas of recreation such as golf, table tennis, swimming, karate, tumbling, arts and crafts, and many other scheduled activities. Each of our 8 locations offers many and varied recreation programs.
Inter-program sports competitions are scheduled at various recreational facilities located throughout the city. Each sport has its own set of rules and regulations. Many of the youth compete on state and national levels. The PING program is structured on strong discipline with rules and regulations that apply to all participants and coaches. All head coaches and assistant coaches are required to attend coaches clinic and orientation, preceding each sport. The clinic is designed to educate coaches on developing positive team support among the participants and dissuade negative behavior; we stress childcentered coaching. We want to keep youths involved in positive sport experiences. The clinics are our main source of disseminating information regarding rules and regulations. Coaches are briefed on age divisions, player participation, roster size, restrictions, rule changes, bench decorum, etc. Transportation, uniforms, athletic equipment and insurance are provided to all teams registered in all sports leagues.
SPORTS AND RECREATION develops community well being through organized physical activities which provide social, economic and health benefits to the community. Sports offer youth a chance to improve their behavior and attitude; help in understanding the value of teamwork, develop leadership skills, increased physical activity and enhance overall development and learning.
Mentoring Program
In Partnership with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, this initiative encourages and provides mentors for at-risk youth. The mentors provide young people with support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and constructive examples. Mentors help them grow to be valuable employees, and respectable citizens who strengthen our businesses and communities.
AFTER SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
These programs are designed to motivate and inspire learning outside the classroom; improve students performance and academic outcomes, communication and writing skills, and improve use of technology.
Reading Program
In partnership with the Birmingham School System, we have integrated the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) into our after-school tutorial Programs.
The focus of this program is to improve academic performance, reading, and literacy skills, improve comprehension, raise interest in school and lower the drop-out rate; help support No Child Left Behind requirements and help in closing the k-12 academic achievement gap.
Homework-Help
We provide individual and small group assistance with homework at all grade levels. The staff integrates and support classroom-based instructions. Students complete activities related to topics being discussed in the classroom.
Tutoring
We offer assistance with homework and provide one-on-one assist to students in need of remediation in the areas of reading, writing, and math at all grades levels. We also offer help with their current school curriculum.
Computer Programs
Our computer centers are open daily for students as well as older residents. We offer basic computer training. Information tools, the internet and personal computers, are increasingly critical to economic success and personal advancement.
SUMMER EMPLOYMENT
PINGs Summer Employment Program offers youths specialized training in various jobs. Our youth receives on-the-job training, while receiving compensation for 8 weeks during the summer. They work in a variety of positions: summer camp aides, peer counselors, recreation aides, landscaping, painting, lawn maintenance, and various other jobs.