The 10 Most Viewed Local Stories Of 2008
Jun 30, 2009 6:00 pm US/Eastern
Non-Profit Brings Lacrosse To Inner City Kids
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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Youth lacrosse has always been a staple in the suburbs surrounding Philadelphia, and now two local players are trying to bring it into the inner city.
CBS
Youth lacrosse has always been a staple in the suburbs surrounding Philadelphia, and now two local players are trying to bring it into the inner city.
Eric Gregg and John Christmas have brought their expertise and passion into the non-profit program LEAPS (Lacrosse, Education, Attitude, Perseverance, Success)
LEAPS' mission is to enrich the lives of youth through lacrosse and education, as well as instill the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle.
Gregg was a standout goalie at Episcopal Academy and continued his career at Gettysburg College, where he played in the Division III National Championship in 2001 and 2002.
Christmas was a three-time All-American at Lower Merion High School, and continued his career at the University of Virginia. At Virginia, Christmas was a two-time All-American and leading scorer for the 2003 National Championship team.
Christmas and Gregg stopped by the CBS 3 studios on Tuesday with some kids from LEAPS to spread their message.
"John Christmas and I had the idea that we wanted to get more kids around the city involved. We knew that lacrosse could be an expensive sport, so we wanted to make if affordable and the coaching accessible. We went in the neighborhood and started community based leagues. We also work with the school district of Philadelphia to help them grow their school leagues," said Gregg.
LEAPS began their first camp on Monday at Germantown High School, where they provide free lacrosse training for any boy or girl ages 6-14. LEAPS' provides the equipment, coaching and a nutritional snack for all campers.
"We are using lacrosse as a hook for these kids to get the opportunities that me and Eric were afforded when we were younger. We want to be mentors. We want to give them something after school to come and be part of," said Christmas.
LEAPS will be holding youth camps all throughout the city until July 30th. For more info check their website:
LEAPS
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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