THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 22, 1997 TAG: 9701220597
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 47 lines
Tyrone Hines, whose contribution to Portsmouth goes far beyond organizing athletic teams, was named the Tom Fergusson Award winner Tuesday night as the Norfolk Sports Club's metropolitan person of the year at the club's annual Jamboree.
Hines, who graduated from Portsmouth Catholic High School, began his career as president of the Mount Herman Athletic Association. Seven years ago, Hines established the first Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority baseball league for youths in six public-housing communities.
Prior to 1994, Hines had organized 14 football teams, 12 basketball teams, 39 baseball and softball teams and more than 200 cheerleaders. He also recruits the volunteers who coach these teams, and coordinates awards programs as well.
``His mission has been to make a difference in the lives of participating children,'' said Charles V. Taylor, chairman of the Sports Club's Fergusson Award selection committee. ``Most of them haven't had any role models. His dedication, enthusiasm and perseverance have had a positive impact on many youths. Because of him, they have a better understanding of themselves, and others. They have achieved self-discipline. They have a sense of pride they may never have experienced before. He has improved their quality of life.''
Recently, Hines and his wife Pat have expanded their efforts to include organizing a clothing drive designed to obtain clothes suitable for children to wear to church. Hines also is raising funds and arranging transportation for youths participating in his programs to receive free physicals and dental examinations.
Hines, a 1990 recipient of the Governor's Award for volunteering excellence, recently struck a deal with some Portsmouth churces in which they make monetary donations, but also provide spiritual guidance, for the football teams and cheerleaders in his program.
Hines was the Portsmouth Sports Club's man of the year in 1991, the 1993 Hook Hillman Award winner and the 1994 J.C. Penny Golden Award winner.
``His message is that the children of public housing need to have something to call their own,'' Taylor said. ``Mr. Hines has been, and continues to be, determined to carry out that message.'' ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]
L. TODD SPENCER
Tyrone Hines was recognized as the Norfolk Sports Club's
metropolitan person of the year.