After school program gets new equipment thanks to $2,900 in funding for locsal sport activities
More than 100 kids at the Youth Center’s after school program in Los Alamitos are now enjoying new indoor/outdoor sports equipment thanks to a $2,900 grant from the Run Seal Beach committee.
New indoor equipment includes a dual-hooped basketball game, ping pong table, pool sticks and air hockey game playing pieces. New outdoor equipment includes a free-standing basketball hoop, tetherballs, tennis rackets, volley ball net and backyard games.
“We got lots of sports equipment to keep the kids busy with,” said Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme. “We are really grateful to the Run Seal Beach committee for providing funds for our children. The kids are playing sports every day.”
Youth Center After School Staff Member Mike Matthews said the sports equipment is an opportunity for the kids to play and practice in a safe environment with free equipment to use. “Without the grant, that opportunity would not exist,” he said. “We are extremely grateful.”
Some of the kids expressed how the new equipment also helps them to socialize and make new friends. Kevin Niland, 10, of Long Beach said he likes how he can get together with his friends and play a favorite game. His 8-year-old brother Logan Niland said he liked how there are always different people to play air hockey with and if you win you go on to the next challenge.
For Alex Nelson, 10, of Whittier the dual-hooped indoor basketball game is “awesome because you can shoot hoops and do tricks with another player,” while Jonathan Mendez, 9, of Los Alamitos said he enjoys the game because he can play with his friends and shoot as many hoops as he wants.
Another Youth Center after school child, Ivan Perdomo, 9, of Long Beach said, “I like having the equipment to play air hockey. It’s awesome! I like being able to play it with my friends. It’s fun!” Also liking the air hockey was 7-year-old Eric Muro of Long Beach who enjoys playing against his brother. “I like it because when there is nothing to do, I can just play air hockey,” he said.
Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme commented how the new equipment helps the kids stay active and fit while keeping them out of trouble and off their cell phones. Staff Member Harout Manukian added how the new equipment is wonderful and that it keeps the kids occupied while they have lots of fun. His co-worker, Staff Member Aaron Lopez said of the new ping pong table that it gets pretty competitive, but that it’s not about winning – it’s about having fun, and the kids have a lot of fun with table tennis.
“The kids love it (the new equipment) for sure,” said Youth Center After School Program Coordinator Yesenia Nunez. “They are grateful to have more sports equipment this year. Staff even gets involved with interacting with the kids more by playing games with them.”
