Inner-City Games keep kids on track

     By Judy DeLoretta
     View staff writer
      The 1999 Greater Las Vegas Inner-City Games oath reads: "As a participant in the Inner City Games, I promise to be respectful, honest and helpful to my fellow participants and adults, and promise to say no to gangs, drugs and violence and yes to staying in school and being the best that I can be."
      If Jack Mannion has his way, approximately 10,000 kids from Clark County will participate in this year's Inner-City Games and not only recite the oath, but practice it.
      The games, which primarily focus on keeping kids out of trouble by participation in sports, arts clinics and competitions are under way at schools throughout the valley.
      For the fourth consecutive year in Las Vegas, the Inner-City Games provide several weeks of fun and competition to kids ages 7 to 17. This year's events commenced April 10, with the last competition scheduled for Aug. 28, followed by a season-ending event Oct. 2 at Mandalay Bay. Every child who participates is invited to the closing ceremonies.
      More than 100,000 flyers were distributed to Clark County schools, Boys & Girls Clubs and libraries.
      "We want as many kids in this valley to participate," Mannion said.
      For the first time ever, in order to increase participation, the Inner City Games continues to offer registration at the sites where clinics and games are under way.
      Transportation from dozens of schools, T-shirts, food and refreshments are provided.
      "And everyone receives an award just for participating," Mannion said.
      This is the fourth year the event has been in Las Vegas, but it all began in 1991 in Los Angeles by Inner City Games founder Danny Hernandez. The founder and chairman of the Inner-City Games Foundation is actor Arnold Schwarzenegger
      "Danny wanted to get kids off the street following the riots in L.A.," said Mannion. "He wanted to provide situations and programs to give kids positive choices."
      Those programs have varied over the years.
      Although the Inner-City Games began as sports-oriented with clinics and competition in tennis, soccer, track and field, football, volleyball and swimming, several new programs have been added. For the first time, the Las Vegas Inner-City Games are offering creative writing, art, music, chess and computer camps in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Club. The computer camps will be offered at all three Boys & Girls Club sites.
      Employees and volunteers from the organization hope kids who participate will learn something. It might be something about sports, or this year, even the arts. It might be about kindness. It might be about teamwork. And it just might be to meet other kids.
      "When the kids come to the sites, they're all in a group, and then they're asked to stand up, raise their right hand and we recite the oath," Mannion said.
      Each sport and program has a value with it, and on every Saturday, sports coordinators and lead clinicians present a discussion following the pledge. In tennis, the discussion is about kindness. In soccer, the focus is on trust.
      "When they're doing the sports clinics, they focus on and use that word, reemphasizing the value," said Mannion. "Hopefully, kids will get the feeling that there are some people who care about them."
      Winners in all categories are awarded a gold, silver or bronze medal, but all children receive a medal just for their participation.
      Inner City Games clinician Donny Marshall is a soccer professional who is busy making sure his soccer participants are not only learning the game, but having fun.
      "It's great to see them come into the Games not knowing a thing about soccer, and then learn something by the end of the program," Marshall said. "We're all out here to have fun."
      Volunteers and Inner City Games staff make all the difference, he says.
      "These kids are all learning something. And I notice they're coming back year after year."
      Crystal Dodd, who is competing in the soccer competition, said: "This is my second year. It's a good opportunity to stay away from drugs."
      "It's fun and a good way to meet all types of kids," said Cristian Acevedo, also a second-year participant.
      Cities nationwide are hosting this year's games, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, New York, San Antonio, San Diego, Houston and San Jose.
      Las Vegas is considered a model for other communities and is the only city that provides all transportation to game sites, Mannion said.
      "We also depend on our sponsors who offer in-kind donations throughout the year," he said.
      To participate in the 1999 Greater Las Vegas Inner City Games, call 382-5447.