Magnet Center for Quality Sports

 National Recreation and Park Association and National Football League 
Launch National Youth Development Initiative, 
Brunswick Parks & Recreation Department, Brunswick, Maine chosen as official Magnet Center

May 18, 2004, Brunswick, Maine—The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), in conjunction with the National Football League (NFL), announced the launch of a National initiative to improve youth development through sports—Brunswick Parks & Recreation Department has been chosen as one of 37 communities nationwide to serve as a project Magnet Center.

Through funding from the NFL, NRPA has designated 37 cities across the U.S. as Magnet Centers for Quality Sports.  The aim of this project is to discover methods to advance youth development benefits across sport programming; including, teaching life skills, empowering success among young people, promoting physical activity and health, and strengthening communities through sports.

“NRPA wants to get kids into sports—not only because there’s a huge obesity issue, but because sports pose an arena for developing positive social skills, lifelong activity experiences, and self confidence,” says NRPA Executive Director John Thorner.  “Park and recreation professionals should be at the forefront of developing youth and providing a positive play environment.”

This initiative stems from a partnership with Sports Illustrated (SI) and the celebration of their 50^th Anniversary in which NRPA and SI designated 50 communities in 50 states across the U.S. as a Sportstown.  These communities represent high standards of quality through sport, development, growth, and overall commitment to excellence.  Over 250 applications were received for this recognition program—after analysis, NRPA concluded that nearly 70 percent of all applicants lacked key elements for youth development. 

Quality Sports Magnet Centers will receive support materials, evaluation tools, training, and technical assistance from NRPA and affiliated national sport agencies valued between $5,000-$7,500. 

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), headquartered in Ashburn , Virginia , is a national not-for-profit organization devoted to enhancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all Americans. 

The association works to extend the social, health, cultural and economic benefits of parks and recreation.  Through its network of recreation and park professionals and civic leaders, NRPA encourages recreation initiatives for people of all ages and abilities, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.  For more information, log on to www.nrpa.org.

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