THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 20, 1995 TAG: 9507180124
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH, COMPASS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
TEN YEARS AGO, Abdul Aswad and Kewi Madyun watched as youth violence infiltrated the streets of Norfolk.
They observed the neighborhood youth swarming to gangs, seeking comradery only to find a life of crime and brutality.
Instead of looking the other way, Aswad and Madyun stared the problem straight in the eye and came up with a solution to bring inner-city kids together.
The result: The Children of the Sun, an athletic and educational organization that Aswad says has given the children somewhere else to turn rather than to a life of violence.
``I wanted to try to eliminate or work against the gang mentality,'' Aswad said. ``Soccer became the connecting force to get the children to understand the concept of universality and bringing different communities together.''
With its successful soccer, track and tennis teams, as well as its enrichment programs, the Children of the Sun recently earned recognition from Mayor Paul Fraim's office with a proclamation of appreciation.
``We got the proclamation from the mayor because we don't just look at the soccer,'' said Aswad, who is a candidate for a master's degree in Urban Affairs Communication with a concentration in Criminal Justice. ``We look at the whole child and the things the child needs to be a productive citizen in society. We cover all the bases.''
Added public relations director Jean Aubourg: ``We want to take these kids and give them the opportunity to be introduced to the game and allow them to play amongst themselves and stop all this fighting. If they can't play with all the kids of their race, then they can't play with kids outside the race.
``What we basically do is use soccer as a leadership experience for kids. It teaches them self-control, quick response and how to think on their feet. They learn to play as a team and once they play as a team, they can't lose.''
The program, which has about 85 participants and reaches over 20 families, is expanding each year by nearly 30 percent.
But, how does the organization keep the kids coming back? Easy. They make it fun and give the children a sense of belonging.
The soccer program has coed teams for kids under 6 through 11 and boys and girls teams for 14-year-olds. The older kids can test their individual skills on the track and tennis squads.
Ramaroe Scott, a center striker on the U-14 soccer team who has been playing for five years, says that he joined the Children of the Sun when some of his friends got involved.
``People from around my way were playing,'' said Scott, 13. ``It looked fun so I tried.''
Ashley Lawrence, a member of the U-9 soccer team, admits that she just likes being involved in all types of sports.
``It's a way for me to run around,'' she said. ``I learn about dribbling and kicking the ball straight and I do a lot of running.''
While some of the kids see sports as an outlet, others see it as a way of life.
Kemia Lawrence, who plays soccer and runs track, said that though she enjoys the physical activity, the Children of the Sun offer her much more.
``It makes me feel in control,'' she said.
But the playing field isn't the only place where the Children of the Sun program allows its participants to take charge.
Under the direction of Millicent Riddick, a teacher at the Tabernacle of Prayer Christian School, the Children of the Sun started a Summer Job Enrichment Program in conjunction with the Norfolk Juvenile Court system.
``The majority of them wouldn't have jobs if it wasn't for the insight and somebody looking after them to get them employed,'' Riddick said. ``It helps them get focused.
``A lot of them come in thinking they cannot and it causes them to know they can.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photos by PATTI WALSH
Terry Kelly, an athletic director for The Children of the Sun
organization, gives instructions to soccer players before they begin
their drills.
Seven-year-old Chey Barrington works out with the Children of the
Sun U-8 soccer team as teammates watch.
by CNB