Athletic league hopes to deter crime

YOUNGSTOWN — The newly formed Youngstown Police Athletic League is accepting applications from kids interested in team sports.

The league is offering recreational and educational activities as an alternative to delinquent acts and criminal behavior. The program is open to boys and girls, ages 5 to 18, in the city and surrounding communities.

The police league includes police officers as coaches, participants and supervisors. The idea is to forge a friendship between young people and police and break down any adversarial barriers that may have existed.

Applications can be picked up in Police Chief Jimmy Hughes’ office or by calling Patrolman Edward Colon, Youngstown Police Association president and the league’s executive director, at (330) 743-2156. Call that number, too, if you’re interested in volunteering.

Anyone interested in contributing can send funds to Youngstown Police Athletic League, 116 W. Boardman St., Youngstown, Ohio 44503.

The program is starting with a $2,500 grant from the Weed and Seed program, Colon said.

Upcoming events

This week, 10 local YPAL youngsters chosen from the Youth Police Academy will participate in a fishing derby at Lake Erie sponsored by the Ohio Police Athletic League. Youngsters will enjoy an all-expenses paid charter boat fishing excursion and fish fry. Prizes will be given for the largest fish caught.

Colon said he, the chief and Detective Sgt. Jose Morales will accompany participants on the fishing trip.

Colon said criminal influences are countered and reduced in the lives of children and teenagers who participate in police league activities. As a result, the youngsters learn to respect not only police officers but the laws they enforce, he said.

The police league will promote the ideals of good sportsmanship, fair-play teamwork and healthy competition, he said.

He said the league is concentrating on forming a basketball league, with other sports such as swimming, tennis, baseball and more to follow. Basketball games will be played at Heart Reach Ministries on Redondo Road, he said.

Colon said he’ll be speaking at block watch meetings in an effort to get kids interested in the police athletic league.