Start Smart program a hit on military bases worldwide - Start Smart Sports Development Program - Military Recreation - Brief Article

Parks & Recreation, Dec, 1997 by Greg Bach

Parents stationed on military bases worldwide have been taking advantage of a special program that's producing amazing results with children.

Through the Start Smart Sports Development Program, children ages 3 and above are learning and developing basic motor skills, gaining confidence in their abilities, and building self-esteem.

"There are Air Force bases that have implemented the Start Smart program in an effort to assist children with their motor-skill development and eventually prepare them for successful participation in youth sports programs," said Dan Schofield, youth specialist for the United States Air Force Services Agency in San Antonio, Texas.

Start Smart has become extremely popular with parents who get the chance to participate in a variety of specially designed skill stations using the colorful Koosh equipment, which is exceptional in enhancing motor-skill development.

Since its inception two years ago, approximately 5o Start Smart programs have been held on military bases across the country and overseas, and countless others are scheduled to get under way throughout 1998.

During the past year, the following military bases have held Start Smart programs:

* Elmendorf AFB (Alaska)

* Little Rock AFB (Arizona)

* Hickam AFB (Hawaii)

* Mildenhall AFB (England)

* McConnell AFB (Kansas)

* Seymour Jackson AFB (North Carolina)

* McClellan AFB (California)

* Peterson AFB (Colorado)

* Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Station (Cuba)

* SEMBACH Youth Programs (Germany)

* Mt Home AFB (Idaho)

* Scott AFB (Illinois)

* Cannon AFB (New Mexico)

* Ellsworth AFB (South Dakota)

* Lackland AFB (Texas)

* Fort Story Army Youth Services (Virginia)

* Langley AFB (Virginia)

* Fort Eustis Army Youth Services (Virginia)

Start Smart is a program of the National Alliance for Youth Sports, a nonprofit organization that works to provide safe, fun and meaningful sports for children.

For more information on Start Smart call (800) 729-2057 or E-mail nays@!nays org