PAX Centurion - January / February 2013

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • January/February 2013 • Page 31 Volley Against Violence – a big hit By Mark A. Bruno I would like to acknowledge Police Officer FrankWilliams and all the CSO’s throughout the city who partake in this program ev- ery Friday night during various months. Since its inception, this program now services over 120 kids weekly. As you can see from this picture, the ages range from four years old all the way to adults. This program was meant to reach out to poor inner-city kids who were at risk, but quickly grew to include all walks of life. Be it rich or poor, or any race you could name, this program is inclusive of all.You only need to bring yourself and a posi- tive attitude along with respect of others to participate. The children and adults are not only learning tennis, but they are also being taught life values during these sessions. They are sat down and talked to by our fine staff of CSO’s who mentor them on doing the right thing. This includes staying away from drugs, respecting each other and doing well in school. Some of these children are accompanied by their parents who rave about this program. It really does send a positive message to those who attend weekly. They listen intently to the positive message being given by the instructors. Their self-esteem through participation in this program is raised tre- mendously.You cannot place a value on a program like this. Enrich- ing the lives of these children will help make them responsible adults and better future citizens. Much like the Boys and Girls Club this program promotes strong family values. At the end of every session the kids line up at center court and give each other a high-five to show good sportsmenship. This program also bolsters our Community Policing program. By reaching out to these children and having parents involved, it has opened up a dialect between officers and citizens of these communi- ties. Many of these parents could not afford to send their children for tennis lessons. This program provides the kids with a ride if needed and tennis racquets. Many of our CSO’s get to carry on conversations with these parents who tell them how happy they are with this program. They also get to tell of their con- cerns of what is going on in their neighborhoods. Officers take this input and pass it along to hopefully provide a better quality of life for these individuals, and this is really where this program succeeds. It enriches young minds and provides a safe haven weekly, while it also garners support from parents of these children who get to tell officers what is on their minds. This is a win-win program for kids, their parents, and the Boston Police Department. There are many other people to thank for participat- ing in this worthwhile program. First, I would like to thank the Sportsmen Tennis and Enrichment Center (STEC) at 950 Blue Hill Avenue, in particular Execu- tive Director Toni Wiley and STEC’s Director of Community Tennis Jelani Haynes. United States Tennis Association (USTA) Chief Diversity Officer D.A. Abrams, who came in from NewYork to see all that STEC does for Boston youth, includingVAV. Jeff Dufficy, owner of Domino’s Pizza in South Boston and Dorchester who was gracious enough to provide free pizzas for our participants. The Boston Housing Authority and PoliceAthletic League, who along with the BPD, helped to clean up the tennis courts at the Mary Ellen McCormack Development. The Healthy Dorchester Initiative of Tufts Medical Center who provided a grant for the VAV program. Thanks to Mayor Thomas Menino and Police Commissioner Ed Davis for supporting this program. In closing, on behalf of the Boston Police Patrol- men’s Association who are also proud sponsors this program, I would like to say keep up the good work.