 
|
May 18, 2009 PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Department of Athletics will host the annual National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) for the 35th consecutive year. This year's program will run from June 22, 2009 to July 23, 2009, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. NYSP is an instructional program that has successfully been promoting active and healthy lifestyles to our nation's youth for 38 years. It provides low- income children, ages 8-16, a four week summer program offering sports and academic enrichment at colleges and universities nationwide. All participants must be officially be enrolled. Enrollment shall consist of a completed participant application signed by parent or guardian, a properly completed medical examination preformed by a physician and attendance at the project for a minimum of one day. Also they will receive two free USDA approved meals consisting of a breakfast and lunch. Due to funding, this year's NYSP model has been revised. The project will operate a minimum of 20 days, may enroll less than 200 participants, will provide limited transportation for some areas and will charge a registration fee of $75.00. That fee may come from parents or guardians or be donated from individuals, churches, businesses, or other organizations. Please mail registration fees to the address listed below by the deadline date of Monday June 19, 2009. No late fees will be accepted.
In fiscal year 2005, NYSP received just under $18 million in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget. However, due to financial constraints, Congress was unable to provide funding for NYSP in FY 2006. While funding was eliminated for FY2006, NYSP was allocated $3 million in carryover funds from the 2005 budget from the Office of Community Services Administration for Children and Families. However, the losses in federal funding for FY 2007 have had a dramatic effect on the program's operations. There is only 20 programs and less than 20,000 students participating this summer, compared to 202 programs and 72,000 students last year due to inadequate funding. |
