June 10, 2022
By Gina Perry
Beat the Streets LA was joined by nonprofits First Break Academy, Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN), and the Pete Brown Jr. Tennis Program to provide a one day developmental leadership program for female youth from across California. The experience allowed ten female student-athletes from Beat the Streets LA’s Downtown Academy and San Pedro program, to participate in the kickoff event hosted by Nike and Laureus Sport for Good, who’s shared mission is to change girls’ lives through play and sport by supporting grassroots nonprofit organizations.
The Play Academy featured keynote speaker, 4x Grand Slam singles champion, Naomi Osaka, who shared her personal experience in the sport of tennis and the importance of operating with a growth mindset. Along with female athletes from across the state of California, the BTS student-athletes participated in several activity stations in which they completed tennis and wrestling drills that highlighted the importance of teamwork and emphasized the power of a growth mindset.
When our chapters partner with other non-profit organizations to work together and create once in a lifetime opportunities such as this one for our athletes, we build relationships beyond the mat and bonds that are formed only in experiences. While programs such as this one offer unforgettable experiences and an opportunity for our athletes to grow from the knowledge and wisdom gained, Beat the Streets Nationals also views this event as an opportunity to demonstrate to our student- athletes our deep belief in their potential and abilities to achieve great goals in life. We would like to thank all those involved in making this experience possible. With continued support from our communities we are able to pour into our student-athletes both off and on the wrestling mat in a concentrated effort to change the trajectory of their lives.
