Through its special sports programs, Kids In Sports (KIS) encourages thousands of children in Los Angeles to become active and fit, make new friends, embrace team work, increase their focus and boost their self-esteem. For 11-year-old Ashley Rios, the positive impact of KIS on her life goes well beyond the softball field.
For almost as long as she can remember, Ashley has been plagued by frequent migraines and has endured countless medical tests to try to identify and treat the cause. Despite her mother Patricia’s attempts to find a cure, nothing worked. One day, a friend asked Ashley to join her team at KIS. Ashley was hesitant since she had never played sports before, but went ahead and joined the team. Much to her mother’s delight, as her daughter became more active her health improved! For four years, Ashley has been playing various sports at KIS and is not only healthy, but her grades have improved, she is more confident and is focused on her future. It turns out the cure for Ashley was KIS!
As a caring parent, Patricia often worried about the pressures and risks Ashley and her three younger children would face as they grew into their teens. “Teenage pregnancy is often an issue in our community,” said Patricia. “I believe that KIS has helped Ashley build the self-esteem necessary to make the right decisions in her life and ensure she will have a bright future.”
Patricia has also become involved in the organization as a “team mom” and Ashley’s father has become her softball coach. Beyond the positive life-changing affect KIS has had on Ashley, it has also provided a valuable bonding activity for her entire family.
With today’s high school dropout rates, widespread gang activity, prevalence of teen substance abuse and the many harsh realities of urban living, Los Angeles can be a tough place to be kid. KIS ensures that we can keep providing Ashley and thousands of other girls and boys across our Copunty a safe alternative in the form of sports activities, teams, coaches, mentors and a supportive community. |
