PSU Magazine Winter 1999

Nike helos create a field of dreams Kids and sports. The two seem insepa– rable. But as we near the end of the 20th century, the percentage of American children who regularly get out and kick that ball or sink that shot is declining at an alarming rate. Recent studies of elementary-age children show that they are in poorer physical condition than at any time since World War II. Why? Computers and television, and with households headed by single or dual working parents there are fewer moments to spend together on the fie ld or on the court. In addition , cost-conscious public school systems nationwide have made P.E. an elective rather than a required course. The sedentary lifestyle of today's youth is a national and local problem. That's why PSU Athletics Director Jim Sterk, Nik, Inc. officials, and other community sports and recreation leaders are excited about the potential of PSU's new Community Recreation Field. The newly completed, $1.8 million field, which will be formally dedicated this spring, offers opportunities to bring a diverse range of youth sports programs to campus. These range from the popular National Youth Sports Program, which PSU hosts each summer with the Police Activity League, to special programs that target at-risk girls and other youths who may not be participating in school or community sports programs. "I keep hearing that many kids have never been to the PSU campus. They never really see what we have," says Sterk. "This field will be a starting point to expose kids from all over the community to Portland State. With the programs we're planning, we can break through some community barri– ers in youth sports participation." Toward that end, Nike recently pledged $350,000 to the field. Nike's presence will reach even deeper through the establishment of three capstone courses-community projects for senior-level students. Nike is contributing $15 ,000 per academic year to fund the capstones, which will gauge youth recreation needs in the Portland metropolitan area. Looking good while doing it Nike Inc. is not only giving PSU's new Community Recreation Field a shot in the arm. It's also broadening its apparel agreement with the University. Nike and Portland State recently inked a new, seven-year agreement that will allow PSU sports teams to continue to receive Nike shoes and other athletic apparel. Such agree– ments with universities are common to Nike, but the $400,000 a year gift goes a long way for the program and its student athletes, says PSU Athletics Director Jim Sterk. Under the current agreement, which replaces a five-year contract 28 PSU MAGAZINE WINTER 1999 signed in 1996, all PSU sports teams will continue to receive shoes from Nike. Four flagship ports-football, men 's and women's basketball, and wrestling-will get add itional gear such as warm-up jackets and pants, gloves, and other items. Both the footba ll and wrestling teams will continue to periodically test new shoes supplied by Nike, says Sterk. The teams have been testing foo twear for Nike for 17 years. Typically, several athletes are given new shoes to wear for a week or so before Nike officials check back with them to determine the shoes' comfort and performance. "PSU's Community Recreation Field provides the means to develop sports programs for underserved kids and to offer children positive experiences with adults and college students at a campus setting," says Bill Malloch , of Nike's Global Community Affairs Department. "As I was talking with Jim Sterk, ideas just snowballed about what we could do with this field . We've got the field. Now, how can we get underserved kids there?" The first capstone course, which will likely start in summer 1999, will allow PSU students to conduct surveys and needs as essments with Portland-area youths who face obstacles in sports participation. These children, age 8 to 13, may be underserved by existing community recreation programs due to economic, geographic, or other factors. A second capstone, slated for fa ll 1999, will be similar to the first and will focus on at-risk girls between ages 8 and 13, says Seanna Kerrigan , PSU capstone coordinator. A third capstone may focus on collecting data that community sports organizations could use to attract volunteers to run programs, coach teams, and serve as mentors. Securing devoted volunteers--especially college students-is central to Nike's P.L.A.Y.CORPS program. P.L.A.Y.– CORPS, a nationwide program, recruits and trains college students to coach youth leagues. Getting solid information about community recreation needs and volunteers will help Nike and commu– nity recreation groups while offering PSU students new opportunities to do meaningful research . Nike's Malloch says local parks officials already have noticed a lack of participation in recreation programs by Russian and Hispanic youths. "The data the PSU students can provide is data we couldn't get ourselves," Malloch says. D

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