On May 22, 2017, the City of Glendale, Community Services & Parks Department was presented the Henry Reining Outstanding Organization Award from the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) for the One Glendale After School Youth Sports Program.
“My fellow Councilmembers and I could not be any more proud to be recognized for the success of One Glendale,” said Mayor Vartan Gharpetian. “It is one thing to balance your budget every year, but to identify the needed funding to serve our youth and then see the successful outcomes -- you know you are doing something right.”
One Glendale was developed, in partnership with the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD), to prevent child hood obesity, build self-esteem, teach leadership skills, and address classroom discipline, by providing after school recreation programming through organized sports. The primary objectives and goals for this program include: Increased daily physical activity; reduced screen time, increased consumption of nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat milk; decreased consumption of sugar/high-fat foods like soda, junk food, and fast food; and overall weight loss among participants. Secondary objectives and goals include: Improved grades; increased self-esteem; improved listening and comprehension skills both at home and at school; and improved interaction with fellow students and family members.
Currently, eight south Glendale elementary schools participate in the program. The program has four seasons concentrating on a specific sport eight weeks at a time, including flag football, volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Each school participates with up to thirty 4th and 5th grade students who otherwise do not have access to organized sports. Each season completes with a championship game between the top four schools.
The Community Services & Parks Department would like to thank and recognize their partner GUSD and their sponsors Glendale Parks & Open Space Foundation, Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Adventist Health Glendale Adventist Hospital, and season sponsors AYSO Regional 88, and Soccer Stores Glendale for contributing to the success of the program. Thank you to the Southern California Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration for recognizing the City of Glendale, Community Services & Parks Department for its efforts, and the program’s accomplishments.
For more information regarding the Southern California Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration and the Henry Reining Outstanding Organization Award, please CLICK HERE.