The success of Safe Passage’s lacrosse and break dance initiatives and Guatemala City United Way swimming classes has already shown how athletics can teach valuable skills, prevent gang membership and increase preparedness for learning.

Empowerment through Play and Game, a program developed to reflect the results of a study funded by Coca-Cola and led by Hanneke Velthuijsen, will be launched at Safe Passage in January 2009.

Promoting fitness, healthy bodies and healthy minds that are ready to learn and lead, this program will include soccer, basketball, lacrosse, swimming, break dance, and martial arts for every child attending Safe Passage.

Through special organized activities, Safe Passage expects to reach an additional group of families and participants.

Ultimately, Empowerment through Play and game will create opportunities for our children to gain confidence and leaderships skills as they participate in community-wide activities.

Safe Passage's Maya Lacrosse is the first lacrosse team in Guatemala!  Learn more about the team and the Lacrosse Festival organized by US-based lacrosse groups from Maine and New York at http://mayalacrosse.org/Welcome.html.

(c)photo by Kenna Klosterman

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