Youth centered non-profit looking to expand in Lima.
Representatives of The Right Direction youth development program spoke Monday about their efforts to reach youth in Bowling Green, and said they would like to bring the program south to Lima.
The organization uses action sports, such as motor cross, BMX racing and stunts, and skateboarding to reach youth and help other nonprofits.
Using these sports helps kids come out of their shells, and help other people through project-based learning, The Right Direction Executive Director Don DiBartolomeo said. Youth learn life skills, and learn about the efforts of their own hard work, DiBartolomeo said. They also learn the value of helping others, as most of their events they put on also benefit other community nonprofits. For example, a stunt demonstration or race could be used to raise money or collect donations.
DiBartolomeo, an accomplished BMX professional, decided to start the nonprofit because he saw how his sport reached youth not interested in other sports, such as football or basketball. He and the others who help run the organization are not paid, and any donation goes back into the program.
DiBartolomeo spoke about Lima’s skate park in Faurot Park and said he would like to partner with Lima City Parks and other groups in town to bring an event to Lima.
In other Rotary business:
During Fellowship, Judge Richard Warren treated the club to some music about the universe, to commemorate the upcoming eclipse. If you weren’t there, you missed quite a show.
The club will host a ribbon cutting for the Little Free Libraries at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 22 at Faurot Park.
This coming Monday, members should show their school spirit by wearing their favorite high school or college shirts, to go along with the high school football preview.
The organization uses action sports, such as motor cross, BMX racing and stunts, and skateboarding to reach youth and help other nonprofits.
Using these sports helps kids come out of their shells, and help other people through project-based learning, The Right Direction Executive Director Don DiBartolomeo said. Youth learn life skills, and learn about the efforts of their own hard work, DiBartolomeo said. They also learn the value of helping others, as most of their events they put on also benefit other community nonprofits. For example, a stunt demonstration or race could be used to raise money or collect donations.
DiBartolomeo, an accomplished BMX professional, decided to start the nonprofit because he saw how his sport reached youth not interested in other sports, such as football or basketball. He and the others who help run the organization are not paid, and any donation goes back into the program.
DiBartolomeo spoke about Lima’s skate park in Faurot Park and said he would like to partner with Lima City Parks and other groups in town to bring an event to Lima.
In other Rotary business:
During Fellowship, Judge Richard Warren treated the club to some music about the universe, to commemorate the upcoming eclipse. If you weren’t there, you missed quite a show.
The club will host a ribbon cutting for the Little Free Libraries at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 22 at Faurot Park.
This coming Monday, members should show their school spirit by wearing their favorite high school or college shirts, to go along with the high school football preview.
