Central Park

The Daily Plant : Thursday, September 4, 2003

NEW YORK CITY’S YOUNG ATHLETES SHINE IN SAN FRANCISCO

When 1,000 of the country’s most talented young athletes gathered in San Francisco for the 2003 U.S. Youth Games, it wasn’t surprising that New York’s team scored some top prizes. In spite of cold weather, the young sports stars returned home with two first place trophies under their belts, in addition to many more runner-up prizes. Last Wednesday, August 27, 2003, many of them visited Parks & Recreation’s Arsenal in Central Park for a hero’s welcome and a chance to celebrate their accomplishments.

"My family and friends told me to do my best and no matter what they would still respect us," said Olinka Crusoe of Manhattan, who competed in the top-finishing Girls Track & Field team. She went to San Francisco to compete in the 400 meter and the 4x100 meter relay. Her younger sister, Nzignha, competed in the 200 meter at the games. "It was fun because she is my sibling so we had support there away from home. I told her to do her best and run hard," she said. Does quick speed "run" in their family? No, she insists. "We had to work hard for it."

While the athletes had spent several months training, no one was exactly prepared for the weather change. "Over there it was 45 degrees, and here it was in the 80s so we weren’t prepared," said Christian Camacho of Queens. "We went in shorts, and we suffered." Yet the temperature drop didn’t keep Mr. Camacho and his teammates on the Boys soccer team from winning first place. His advice for younger Youth Game hopefuls: "Go and have fun. Play your game and obey the coach. If they only give you five minutes to play on the field, use those five minutes to show them what you’re made of."

There was of course a little room for sightseeing, and for many of these young athletes, this trip was their first trip to San Francisco. "It was a new experience going to the Golden Gate Bridge," said John "Chiqui" Alvarez of Queens. "It was a good place to compete." He and his friends on the Boys soccer team followed the advice of their coaches, Martin Jacobs and Donovan Rowe to play hard, play with each other, and play smart.

"Their experience is something I hope they never forget," said Parks & Recreation Director of Recreation Emily Brennan. "They saw the sights, played hard and made a lot of new friends. These young athletes represented the City in a way that would make all New Yorkers proud."

The first Youth Games were held in New York City in 1967. Created by then-Mayor John V. Lindsay, the competition was designed to showcase the talents and skills of urban youth. Over the past 36 years, the games have featured such sport notables as Patrick Ewing, Kenny Anderson and Bo Jackson. This year’s games brought 13 cities together for competition in a variety of areas, including golf, soccer, track & field, swimming and flag football.

"No voice; but oh! The silence sank

Like music on my heart."

(1772-1834)

Know Before You Go

Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center