ORANGEBURG, SC – AMIkids Inc., a nationally-recognized, nonprofit organization that transforms troubled youth into responsible members of our communities, will hold its annual AMIkids Summer Challenge from June 8-11, at South Carolina State University.
 
This incredibly inspiring event will give over 200 AMIkids student participants from over seven states across the country the opportunity to compete in a variety of competitive sporting and academic events that will motivate and encourage them to strive for ongoing success, not only here, but throughout their young lives.
 
This is the 5^th straight year that SC State has hosted this group.  Also, in addition to Heyward Golden, former SC State football standout, who is the current vice president of AMIKids, 17 other former Bulldog football players and a former member of the Lady Bulldog basketball team are employed by the agency. Several of them will be here for The Challenge!
 
Golden, thinks that bringing kids who are overcoming a troubled past to a positive college environment opens their minds to what is possible if they discover and strive for their potential.
 
"SC State was critical for my development, not only as a football player, but as a person," said Golden. "The education and guidance I gained here was integral to my success in my career, and now I am blessed to be able to work with kids who need guidance to become great people and be able to bring them to SC State to get a feel for a real college experience."
 
"Our kids have great potential within them, and our Summer Challenge event allows them to explore that potential, both athletically and academically," added Golden.
 
There to speak to the kids will be a SC State recruiter to discuss academic possibilities and what it takes to pursue a college degree. Also on hand will be track and football coaches to watch the kids perform a variety of activities.
 
"Our Summer Challenge event allows our kids to put aside their personal trials and life struggles to not only have fun, but learn and develop through academic and athletic events, participating as individuals and teams," said Golden. "From teamwork, camaraderie, trust, positive support, passion, and most of all, the reward for positive behavior and doing things the right way, our kids come to understand that hard work and dedication makes them better people and develops positive lives."
 
The Summer Challenge event schedule is as follows:
 
Monday, June 8
6:00 pm                          Opening Ceremony at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center
 
Tuesday, June 9
9:00 am – 11:30 am          Track Events at Lorry H. Dawkins Track
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm           Science Fair Judging at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm           Round Robin consisting of Marlinspike Relay, Group Challenge First Aid, Academic Quiz Bowl at Staley Hall Classrooms
7:00 pm                            Awards Ceremony at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center
 
Wednesday, June 10
9:00 am – 11:30 am          Track Events at Lorry H. Dawkins Track
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm            Round Robin continues consisting of Marlinspike Relay, Group Challenge First Aid, Academic Quiz Bowl at Staley Hall Classrooms
2:30 pm – 5:30 pm            Swim Events at Pool Facility adjacent to Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center
                                       Tug of War, Standing Broad Jump
7:30 pm                             Awards Ceremony at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center
 
Thursday, June 11
9:00 am – 12:00 pm         Volleyball at open field adjacent to track facility
9:00 am – 12:00 pm         Round Robin finals consisting of Marlinspike Relay, Group Challenge First Aid, Academic Quiz Bowl at Staley Hall Classrooms
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm           Volleyball continues at open field adjacent to track facility
7:00 pm                           Banquet, Closing Awards, Finals for Speech Contest
 
Those interested in attending or covering this exciting week of relays, group challenges and healthy competition should contact AMIkids Director of Communications & Marketing Jordan Meyer by cell at 813-523-9600. Members of the general public along with press representatives may attend the event.  Media contact is Jordan Meyer at (813) 523-9600 or jmeyer@amikids.org.
 
About AMIkids, Inc.
Founded in 1969, AMIkids, Inc. is a nationally-recognized nonprofit organization that helps kids and strengthens communities through positive and motivating programs that inspire learning, leadership and personal growth. As one of the few juvenile justice programs nationally accredited by AdvancED, AMIkids transforms its students through education, counseling and behavior modification services, empowering them to make positive decisions that will ultimately shape their future and allow them the opportunity to transform their lives. For more information, visit www.amikids.org.
 
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