News release from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation:
Opening Day at McMillen Park’s Lifetime Sports Academy
Announcing The Doug McKibben Practice Facility
(June 11, 2012) – Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll kicked off the 15th year of the Lifetime Sports Academy today at McMillen Park.
“Fifteen years in any relationship is testimonial to success, but when equated with a public/private program dedicated to youth, I’d consider it a legacy,” said Director Moll.
To commemorate the 15th anniversary of LSA and to honor dedicated committee member Doug McKibben, the driving range, putting and pitching green was officially named the Doug McKibben Practice Center at the Lifetime Sports Academy.
“When Tom Jehl and I started the Lifetime Sports Academy, the first person Tom mentioned to join us in developing this program was Doug McKibben,” said LSA Committee Co-Chair Jerry Fox. “Since the beginning, Doug has been instrumental in furthering the development and progress of the Lifetime Sports Academy through his generous donations and counsel during the past fifteen years. The Doug McKibben Practice Center is a fitting tribute to my partner in the Lifetime Sports Academy.”
Also, in celebration of LSA’s anniversary, 15-Year Service Awards were presented to volunteers and staff who have been involved with the Academy since its inception.
During the LSA session (June 11 – July 27), 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. This year’s scholarships were awarded to Stephanie Fox and Ryan Guise.
Kids are welcome to register for Lifetime Sports Academy at any time during the seven weeks of activities. Call 427-6760 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org for more information.
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