Children enrolled in the Youth At Heart Program are experiencing new challenges thanks to Becky Riggs and the LaFortune Park Tennis facility.
Riggs, former teacher, athletic director, and coach at Monte Casino, put retirement on hold to help instruct a small group of aspiring tennis players.
LaFortune Director of Tennis Operations, Melissa McCorkle, approached Riggs to help with the program months after she retired and Riggs says she based her decision to volunteer on previous teaching experiences within inner city schools.
“My heart has always been with kids that to me are less fortune, need good role models and I think most of all they just need to depend on people to be consistent.” Riggs said.
The average number of children who attend the program extend to 12, however the individual instruction Riggs and other volunteers provide is tailored to meet the needs of each child.
Youth At Heart offers an array after school programs for children in challenged neighborhoods ranging from sports leagues, community development, education enrichment, and many others.
With LaFortune hosting and conducting many other programs similar to Youth At Heart, McCorkle and other Organizers are planning to help grow the facility to house more programs and tennis players.
“Fund-raising efforts are going to begin very soon. We plan to build three more outdoor courts and another indoor facility,” David McCorkle said.
As for Riggs, she plans to continue instructing tennis to the children and teaching them to focus on each individual task to achieve positive results.
“When you set your mind to doing something and you see it through you're going to get success,” Riggs said.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
