News release from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation:
Opening Day at McMillen Park’s Lifetime Sports Academy
(June 14, 2011) – Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll kicked off the 14th year of the Lifetime Sports Academy today at McMillen Park.
“The Lifetime Sports Academy is a signature program sustained by healthy public-private partnerships,” said Director Moll. “It is a model for other park departments and is a leader in the nation.”
Supervisor Tom Hogan, Golf Professional Rick Hemsoth, participants and supporters of LSA joined Director Moll in encouraging the crowd of youth at opening day to get involved and make new friends during the seven week program.
After welcoming remarks, a memorial bench was dedicated in honor of Bill Osterholt, a strong golf advocate in the community. The Orchard Ridge Country Club and Friends of Fort Wayne donated the bench to the Academy.
“Bill Osterholt loved life, loved golf and really appreciated his friends,” said LSA Committee Co-Chair Jerry Fox. “He lived life to the fullest and left behind very fond memories for those of us that had the pleasure of spending some time with Bill. He always greeted everyone with a ‘howdy boys’ and raised the spirits of us all.”
During the LSA session (June 14 – July 29), boys and girls ages 8 – 18 will receive free group lessons in golf, tennis and swimming instruction in a supervised environment from certified coaches and highly trained professionals and volunteers. They may attend as often as they wish and stay as long as they’d like 9 am – 3 pm.
A pavilion program provides arts, crafts and organized games. Special activities such as soccer, softball and volleyball will be organized at various times throughout the week for children not participating in group lessons. Lunch is provided daily through Fort Wayne Community School summer lunch program.
The Tom Jehl LSA partial scholarship to the University of Saint Francis is available to a student entering the University of Saint Francis who has participated in the Lifetime Sports Academy and has actively volunteered in the community.
Kids are welcome to register for Lifetime Sports Academy at any time during the seven weeks of activities. Call 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org for more information.