Beat the Streets Wrestling to Hire Two New Full-Time Coaches

Beat the Streets Wrestling opens two new full-time coaching positions
Now accepting applications for Girls and Boys Head Coaches

NEW YORK, New York (June 24, 2013) – Beat the Streets Executive Director Jim Fallis today announced the posting of two new full-time coaching positions.

"In keeping with the long-term strategic plan of our organization, we will be hiring both girls and boys head coaches," Fallis said. "These two positions will be critical in moving forward with our goal of providing the student-athletes in our programs the best opportunity to develop their full potential both on and off the mat."

Both positions will be located at Beat the Streets headquarters—better known as the Manhattan Training Center—and will be responsible for planning and leading practices, coordinating competitions, and overseeing the administration of a robust training program.

Fallis added: "I want to thank the leadership of our Board for providing the support needed to make this type of commitment. We will be moving quickly in identifying qualified candidates and our goal will be to have both positions filled before the start of the 2013-14 academic year."

The announcement marks an increased dedication to developing girls wrestling. This change comes amid a larger push for girls wrestling by the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL), a close partner of Beat the Streets.

"Our Director of Girls Programming, Cheryl Wong, has done a wonderful job getting the task started, and with these commitments by both the Board and the PSAL, we are now in a strong position to elevate the sport and the opportunities for girls across the five boroughs," said Fallis.

For a complete job description and application instructions, please visit the Beat the Streets website at www.beat-the-streets.org.

About Beat the Streets

The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full human and athletic potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTSW works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to help New York City's student-athletes achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTSW and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can l earn the essential life skills of physical fitness, teamwork, and self-empowerment. The goal of fostering strong, dedicated, and optimistic kids is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, and mentoring. More information can be found at www.beat-the-streets.org.

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Director of Operations & Advancement

 BTS Wrestling:  www.beat-the-streets.org

145 Thompson St.

New York, NY 10012

Office: 212-777-5702

Fax: 212-457-1150

Cell: 607-624-5634

   

         

Beat the Streets Wrestling Annual Gala sets record; NYC Wrestling Award-Winners Announced

Massive Support At Event At Bryant Park Grill Following Dual Meets Featuring USA-Iran-Russia At New York's Grand Central Terminal; Annual Award Winners Named

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NEW YORK, May 17, 2013 – A landmark day of wrestling and international cooperation was capped by an historic evening of celebration and philanthropy on Wednesday as USA Wrestling and Beat The Streets Wrestling, Inc., a youth development organization that believes wrestling is the superlative tool for nurturing boys and girls into capable young men and women, teamed to raise a record of $1.5 million for the organization. It began with "The Rumble on the Rails," a pair of dual meets featuring top squads from USA, Iran and Russia, powerhouses in the sport, held at Grand Central Terminal, followed by the annual Beat the Streets Awards Gala at Bryant Park Grill.

Team USA dominated Russia on the evening card, winning eight of nine matches in an event broadcast live on Universal Sports. The USA men's freestyle team got things rolling by sweeping all five of their matches, as Coleman Scott, Logan Stieber, Brent Metcalf, David Taylor and Jordan Burroughs earned wins. Helen Maroulis won her women's freestyle event, and Kendrick Sanders and Ben Provisor took Greco-Roman matches, with Evgeni Saleev salvaging the final match for the Russians. Earlier in the day, Iran defeated the USA, 6-1 in a men's freestyle dual in the same venue, with four-time NCAA champion Kyle Dake winning for the Americans.

The event showed unique cooperation between the three nations as part of the Keep Olympic Wrestling movement. Although their governments do not always agree, the wrestling leaders in these nations have a strong working relationship.

"The success of 'The Rumble on the Rails' and Beat The Streets Awards Gala show the strength and solidarity of the sport of wrestling, top to bottom and across international lines," said Mike Novogratz, Beat The Streets Chairman. "The entire community has come together in support of the dual goals of regaining Olympic status in 2020 and helping Beat the Streets in its critical work of benefiting disadvantaged and at-risk youth through this great sport."

The Gala also honored a host of athletes and contributors to wrestling during the evening. They included: 

• Become Your Own Dream Scholarship • Rosemary Flores, Curtis
• Junior League Wrestler of the Year • David Berkovich, Elite Wrestling Club
• Female Student-Athlete Award Winner • Kim Cardenas, Petrides
• Male Student-Athlete Award Winner • Kevin Tynes, Brooklyn Tech
• Lady Liberty Award Winner • Rosemary Flores, Curtis
• Atlas Award Winner • Adis Radoncic, Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy
• Junior League Coach of the Year • Tim Prugar, New Heights Academy
• Boys High School Assistant Coach of the Year • John Cichon, Petrides
• Boys High School Coach of the Year • Chris Milani, Cardozo HS
• Girls High School Coach of the Year • Chris Alena, Curtis
• Man of the Year • Kyle Dake, Cornell University

ABOUT BEAT THE STREETS

The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full human and athletic potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTSW works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to help New York City's student-athletes achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTSW and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life skills of physical fitness, teamwork, and self-empowerment. The goal of fostering strong, dedicated, and optimistic kids is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, and mentoring. More information can be found at www.beat-the-streets.org.

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Cheers,

Justin
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Director of Operations & Advancement

 BTS Wrestling:  www.beat-the-streets.org

145 Thompson St.

New York, NY 10012

Office: 212-777-5702

Fax: 212-457-1150

Cell: 607-624-5634

  2013 Gala

   

         

USA Wrestling Head Women's Coach to Lead Training Sessions for NYC girls and coaches

NEW YORK, New York (Friday, March 8th, 2013) - Beat The Streets is pleased to announce that USA Wrestling's Head Women's Freestyle Coach, Terry Steiner, will be in New York City to work with girl wrestlers and their coaches, in conjunction with the exciting developments of the PSAL Girls Wrestling League.

For our female wrestlers, Steiner will be leading a clinic on Monday, March 11th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the Manhattan Training Center (see flier). Pre-registration is required and we will be limiting the clinic to 50 girls. Please contact your coach in order to register.

Meanwhile, Steiner will be leading a three-day series for the PSAL Girls Coaches on the following schedule, which will also take place at the Manhattan Training Center:

• Sunday, March 10th: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Monday, March 11th: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
• Tuesday, March 12th: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Last year, the Public Schools Athletic League began the first all-girls freestyle interscholastic wrestling league as a borough-based program of five teams. This year, it has expanded to include 15 school-based teams and one city-wide catch-all team for those who don't have school teams. This will mark the first year having a team Dual Meet City Championship, as well as an individual City Championship tournament. The new format was recently profiled in the New York Times.

About Beat the Streets
Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc. works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to help New York City's student-athletes achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTSW and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life skills of physical fitness, teamwork, and self-empowerment. The goal of fostering strong, dedicated, and optimistic kids is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, and mentoring. More information can be found at www.beat-the-streets.org.

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Release date: Friday, March 8th, 2013
Contact: Justin Hoch at jhoch@beat-the-streets.org
Phone: 212-777-5702
Fax: 212-457-1150

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Director of Operations & Advancement

 BTS Wrestling:  www.beat-the-streets.org

145 Thompson St.

New York, NY 10012

Office: 212-777-5702

Fax: 212-457-1150

Cell: 607-624-5634

         

Skyline Socks makes donation to Beat the Streets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Skyline Socks makes donation to Beat the Streets
Seattle-based start-up gives over 100 pairs of socks to NYC youth

NEW YORK, New York (February 7, 2013) – Beat the Streets Executive Director, Jim Fallis, is pleased to announce the donation of over 100 pairs of New York Skyline Socks for the benefit of our New York City student-athletes. "We want to thank Ben Johnson and Skyline Socks for their generous donation, which has really struck a chord with our Beat the Streets wrestlers." Skyline Socks is a Seattle, Washington based start-up.

Skyline Socks in action at Madison Square Garden.

The socks, serendipitously made in the BTS NYC colors of Orange and Black, are made with the greatest city on Earth's most recognizable landmarks: the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, among other city skyscrapers.

These striking socks were donated by founder Ben Johnson as a way to "put on for your city" and help those most in need within the communities the socks represent. 

The donated socks made their debut during the Grapple at the Garden event at Madison Square Garden. Many of the competing BTS wrestlers wore them at the first wrestling event ever held at the World's Most Famous Arena. Since then, a buzz has persisted within the NYC wrestling community about how to get one's hands on a pair – and feet into them.

Beat the Streets Executive Director Jim Fallis said, "I know there have been a lot of requests made for them, after our kids were seen wearing them at the various tournaments. They look great and they've become a crowd favorite."

More socks will continue to be seen at the city and state championships as BTS wrestlers finish the season. This coming weekend, 30 student-athletes qualify for the New York State Tournament held at the Times Union Center in Albany, NY on February 22-23.

The socks and the eight cities that are represented can be viewed and purchased at www.SkylineSocks.com.

About Skyline Socks

Skyline Socks' mission is to create an awesome, high-quality product that sprouts awareness, looks good, and makes a difference in the community.  We believe that it is important to give back and provide support locally – or as we like to say, "Put on for your city." For every pair purchased, we will donate a pair of new socks to someone in need in your city. Socking the nation, one pair & one city at a time.  Join the movement and "Put on for your city."

About Beat the Streets

Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc. works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to help New York City's student-athletes achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTSW and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life skills of physical fitness, teamwork, and self-empowerment. The goal of fostering strong, dedicated, and optimistic kids is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, and mentoring. More information can be found at www.beat-the-streets.org.

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View the PDF of the press release. View the release and more photos.

Release date: Thursday February 7, 2013

Contact: Justin Hoch at jhoch@beat-the-streets.org
Phone: 212-777-5702
Fax: 212-457-1150

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Justin Hoch

Director of Operations & Advancement

 BTS Wrestling:  www.beat-the-streets.org

145 Thompson St.

New York, NY 10012

Office: 212-777-5702

Fax: 212-457-1150

Cell: 607-624-5634

New Executive Director announces hiring of Kenneth Bigley and Shannon Smith

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Executive Director announces hiring of Kenneth Bigley and Shannon Smith
Staff restructuring includes role refinements for Bill Crum and Justin Hoch

NEW YORK, New York (October 2, 2012) – Jim Fallis, Beat the Streets Wrestling's new Executive Director, has been extremely busy hiring new staff and restructuring the organization to support BTSW's strategic growth in the next year. Today, Mr. Fallis announced the hiring of two new employees: Kenneth Bigley as Director of Program Development and Shannon Smith as Office Manager.

"Beat the Streets Wrestling is very excited about our new team members," said Fallis. "Each of our new employees brings the very best skill sets and professional experience to our work. Their 'get the job done and do it with excellence' approach is what BTSW has been built on. Together with our current staff, we have a great team at BTSW and we will approach each new day with enthusiasm, commitment, and follow through."

Ken Bigley will be responsible for all program development and services generated by BSTW and will work directly with the New York City Department of Education's Public School Athletic League (PSAL) in overseeing and promoting wrestling within area high schools. Working as the bridge between the two organizations, he will play a critical role in helping to achieve the mutual vision of providing high-quality wrestling programs for New York City public schools. By engaging and impacting larger numbers of student-athletes, the goal is to develop best practices for an innovative model of youth development that will eventually be extended nationally. Ken will be responsible for a variety of significant activities including: internal operations; oversight of middle school and high school programs, including all girls programming; administration of camping services; and program evaluation.

Bigley is a 1999 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, where he was a four-year letter winner and three-time recipient of the Lyle E. Schwarzenbach Award recognizing the Northern Iowa Wrestler who "exhibits the highest standards in citizenship, academics, practice, and dedication."

Following his graduation from UNI, Bigley served as the Assistant Wrestling Coach at Ohio University from 1999-2001, where he earned his Master's Degree in Sports Administration and Facility Management. Bigley then held coaching positions at Princeton and Brown Universities, while competing in freestyle wrestling for the New York Athletic Club. He recorded runner-up finishes in each of the 2000 Northern and Southern Region, and 2004 Western Region Olympic Trials tournaments.

Bigley then left the college coaching ranks,  serving from 2005-2011 as the Athletic Director and Wrestling Coach at Trevor Day School in New York City. Most recently, he was the Athletic Director and Wrestling Coach at Souhegan High School in Amherst, NH from 2011-2012.

Fallis also announced that Shannon Smith will assume the role of BTSW Office Manager. Shannon will be responsible for providing high-level administrative support by managing office operations and providing administrative support to the staff and wrestling coaches affiliated with the program.

Smith graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Business Management and Marketing in December 2011. Prior to coming to New York in June, she worked at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma as an Administrative Assistant for four years. Coming from a wrestling family, she has followed the sport her entire life and is excited to be a part of Beat the Streets' positive impact.

In announcing the hiring of both Bigley and Smith, Fallis revealed the reorganization of responsibilities of the current staff. Bill Crum, one of the founders of both the Beat the Streets movement and Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc., assumes a senior management consulting role, advising the organization with the transition to the new administration and managing all competitions for BTSW and its partners.

Crum is the former 1st Vice President of USA Wrestling, the assistant competition manager for the 1996 Olympic Games, and the Competition Manager for the 2003 World Championships. Additionally, he has coached at both the high school and college levels, officiated at many International-Style National Championships, and managed the competition for numerous high level events at the high school, college, national, and international levels.

Fallis also announced that Justin Hoch will assume the position of Director of Operations and Advancement. Hoch will coordinate the administrative operations of BTSW and his responsibilities will include the development, communications, marketing, finance, operations, and information technology functions needed to advance the mission of the organization.

Hoch has been affiliated with Beat the Streets since May 2010 when he first worked as a grantwriting consultant and photographed the Battle on the Intrepid as part of Annual Gala. Since then, he has moved into a full-time capacity and most recently held the title of Director of Advancement. As an athlete, he wrestled for Binghamton University and was a two-year captain.

Fallis stated that, "The additions of Ken Bigley and Shannon Smith to our staff, and the restructuring of our management team, bring a fresh new outlook that will considerably enhance our approach to reaching NYC youth through the great sport of wrestling."

About Beat the Streets

Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc. works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to help New York City's student-athletes achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTSW and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life skills of physical fitness, teamwork, and self-empowerment. The goal of fostering strong, dedicated, and optimistic kids is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, and mentoring. More information can be found at www.beat-the-streets.org.

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View the PDF of the Press Release. View Ken Bigley's Bio. View Shannon Smith's Bio.

Release date: Tuesday October 2, 2012

Contact: Justin Hoch at jhoch@beat-the-streets.org
Phone: 212-777-5702
Fax: 212-457-1150

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 BTS Wrestling:  www.beat-the-streets.org

145 Thompson St.

New York, NY 10012

Office: 212-777-5702

Fax: 212-457-1150

   

Beat the Streets announces Jim Fallis as new Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beat the Streets Wrestling announces new Executive Director

NEW YORK, New York (September 24, 2012) – The Board of Trustees of Beat the Streets Wrestling Inc. (BTSW) today announced the appointment of Jim Fallis as Executive Director, effective August 27, 2012.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Jim Fallis to our organization and look forward to his stewardship of our mission to strengthen the culture of wrestling in New York and engage many more of our youth in this endeavor," said Chairman of the Board Mike Novogratz.  "Jim has an exceptional leadership record of many years as an NCAA Athletics Director, combined with a background as a collegiate wrestling coach and competitor.  He has a passion for helping young people through their engagement in the disciplined life of wrestling competition.  Jim brings to us the precise combination of values, experience, skills, and energy we need for the next steps of Beat The Streets."

Kyra Tirana Barry, President of BTSW Board, offers, "The future is bright for Beat The Streets Wrestling with the high energy and dynamic leadership of Jim Fallis.  Jim's vision and passion, his experience with growing athletic programs, and the search committee's strong endorsement made him a clear choice to become our next executive director.  He is the right person for us at the right time to bring our organization to the next level of growth."

Jim Fallis, new Executive Director of Beat the Streets Wrestling commented,  "I am very excited to be joining Beat the Streets and becoming a part of such a respected youth development organization which has in a very short time produced remarkable results.  This position presents a unique opportunity for me to continue to build the platform to impact many more New York City youth through the great sport of wrestling."

About Beat the Streets

Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc. works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to help New York City's student-athletes achieve their personal and athletic goals.  Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTSW and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life skills of physical fitness, teamwork, and self-empowerment. The goal of fostering strong, dedicated, and optimistic kids is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, and mentoring. More information about Beat the Streets can be found at www.beat-the-streets.org.

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Jim Fallis – Executive Director 

Jim Fallis most recently served as Director of Athletics at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Prior to that he served in the same capacity at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and Lake Superior State University (LSSU). He also coached wrestling at the collegiate level at Lake Superior state.

Academic success, athletic success, and increases in external fundraising have been hallmarks at all three Universities under his direction.

During his time at NAU the program won 27 Big Sky Conference Championships and had eight individual National Champions, including two time Olympian Lopez Lomong who was the flag bearer for the USA at the 2008 Olympics.

At UNC the program earned 31 conference championships and won two NCAA Division II Football Championships. At his alma mater LSSU, the school won two NCAA Division I Men's Ice hockey Championships (both in New York - 1988 in Lake Placid and 1992 in Albany).

Fallis has served on numerous national committees including most recently the NCAA Division I Championship Cabinet and as chair of the Learfield Directors Cup Committee.

A member of five Hall of Fames -- NAIA, NCAA Division II Wrestling, Lake Superior State, North Central Conference and Northern Colorado University -- he earned his Bachelors Degree in History from LSSU and his Master's in Education from Northern Michigan University. He and his wife Anna are the parents of two grown children and five grandchildren.

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View the PDF of the Press Release. View Jim's Bio.

Release date: Tuesday September 24, 2012

Contact: Justin Hoch at jhoch@beat-the-streets.org
Phone: 212-777-5702
Fax: 212-457-1150

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Justin Hoch

Director of Advancement

 BTS Wrestling:  www.beat-the-streets.org

145 Thompson St.

New York, NY 10012

Office: 212-777-5702

Fax: 212-457-1150

Cell: 607-624-5634

   

Beat the Streets Wrestling to host USA vs. Mongolia wrestling match

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Website:  http://beat-the-streets.org/index.php/news/96-usa-vs-mongolia-on-nov-10th

NEW YORK, New York (November 1, 2011) – Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc. announces that it will sponsor an International Dual Meet between National Team Members from the USA vs. National Team Members from Mongolia.

The match will take place on Thursday, November 10^th, 2011 at 6:00 PM at Grand Street Campus High School in Brooklyn. 

"This is an exceptional opportunity for us to host such a high-level event at one of our marquee programs," said Beat the Streets Board Chairman, Michael Novogratz. "Not only will our kids be able to see international-caliber competition up close, but they have an opportunity to learn from the Olympic team coach, Zeke Jones. We're excited about it."

Competition will be held in both Men's and Women's Freestyle and will feature some of the best wrestlers in the country: 2011 World Team member Reece Humphrey, 2010 member Brent Metcalf, as well as Sam Hazewinkel and Andrew Howe, both 2011 World Team runners-up.

On the Women's side, participants include 2008 World Champion Clarissa Chun, 2005 World Champion Iris Smith, 2011 Pan-Am Champion Helen Maroulis, 2009 Junior World Bronze Medalist Veronica Carlson, and 7-time Age Group National Champion Melissa Simmons.

The Mongolian team will also be very talented and experienced.

The women's team will feature 2009 World silver medalist Burmaa Ochirbat at 72 kg/158.5 lbs. and 2009 World bronze medalist Odonchimeg Badrakh at 72 kg/158.5 lbs., plus 2010 Junior World silver medalist Davaasuren Bayarmagnai at 48 kg/105.5 lbs. The men's team will include two members of its 2011 World Team, Mandakhnaran Ganzorig at 60 kg/132 lbs and Unurbat Purevjav at 74 kg/163 lbs.

Prior to the match, National Team Coach Zeke Jones will conduct a practice for Beat the Streets Junior Olympic Athletes from grades 6 through High School at Grand Street. "Beat the Streets has a history of putting on really top-notch events and we're very happy to be working with them again on this one," Jones said.

Mitch Hull, USA Wrestling Director of National Teams, said, "It's always a special opportunity when you can bring a team from halfway around the world and set up a competition in the middle of Brooklyn. That doesn't happen too often."

The members of the Mongolian National Freestyle Team are in the U.S. on a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' (ECA) SportsUnited Sports Visitor Program.  During the recent visit of Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj to the U.S., Ambassador Adam Ereli, the Bureau's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, presented President Elbegdorj with a USA Wrestling jacket and announced the upcoming exchange.

General Admission is only $5.00 at the door.

Grand Street Campus High School is located at the corner of Grand St. and Bushwick Ave in Brooklyn and is easily accessible from the "L" Subway Line. See www.beat-the-streets.org for more information.

About Beat the Streets

Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc. works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to help New York City's student-athletes achieve their athletic and personal goals. Since the institution of the first Beat the Streets program in 2004, New York City has seen over 100 new Middle School, High School, and Club wrestling teams begin, in all five boroughs. BTS programs provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which thousands of disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of personal responsibility, physical fitness, education, and teamwork. The goal of fostering strong, dedicated, and optimistic kids is delivered through tutoring, after-school programs, mentoring, and coaching. More information can be found at www.beat-the-streets.org.

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