A Focus On Fitness & Sports

Kids Discover the Power of Pedaling

Marla R. Miller Wednesday, July 23, 2014

After losing her car, Angela Stamps discovered a new way to see the world after being given a bike. She has since repaid the favor by showing kids the benefits of cycling in Flint.

In Pursuit of a Fitter Detroit

Amy Kuras Monday, March 03, 2014

Reid Thebault has spent 40 years with the YMCA -- the last 20 in metro Detroit -- and will retire later this year. While he presided over a period of expansion for the Y, he considers his true legacy to be the organization's risk-taking culture.

Lisa Machesky

Melinda Clynes Saturday, September 14, 2013

As executive director of the Baldwin Center in Pontiac, Lisa Machesky sees daily the growing divide between rich and poor. She envisions a future where every child has an equal chance for success, and Baldwin Center’s enrichment and education programs for kids and basic needs assistance for families mean Pontiac children have a better footing for the future.

Dennis Nordmoe

Amy Kuras Saturday, August 03, 2013

Dennis Nordmoe of Urban Neighborhood Initiatives believes that real change starts small in creating a better environment for a neighborhood, a street, or even a block. Since 1997, he’s worked to empower residents of the Springwells neighborhood to improve their community.

Greg Locke, Jr.

Kelle Barr Saturday, June 22, 2013

Greg Locke, Jr. leads The First Tee of Battle Creek, introducing hundreds of kids in Battle Creek to golf through summer programs, school involvement, and more. He finds funding for every child who wants to play golf, whether they can pay the program fee or not. A lifelong passion for the game mixed with a strong love of kids is the recipe for Locke’s success.

David Gamlin

Kelle Barr Saturday, June 15, 2013

David Gamlin is a leader with a vision. A first-generation college student himself, he strives to ensure that every young person who goes through his Detroit-based program is armed with the knowledge that a support system exists to help with many issues that today’s post-secondary students face.

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Bright Ideas

Rosedale-Grandmont Little League: 500 Kids Up to Bat in Detroit

Three Lyons Creative Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Since it was founded in 1992, the Rosedale-Grandmont Little League has been the summer pastime of this west side Detroit neighborhood.

Video: Playworks Teaches Kids to Play the Right Way

Cass Corridor Films Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Resource-strapped schools have trouble providing recess in a way that is fun for kids and supplements academics. Playworks, a national nonprofit, has partnered with several Detroit schools to provide recess for kids that is fun, educational, and inclusive.

Mark Hall and Lindsay Bean of Revolutions

Revolutions Aims to Get Kids on Bikes and Skis

Deb Pascoe Friday, March 28, 2014

A quiet revolution is taking root in Marquette. Aptly named Revolutions, the program aims to give young people access to the Upper Peninsula's great outdoors.

Kids Get Leg Up on Health and Fitness

Chelsea Slocum Wednesday, March 12, 2014

For many Michigan kids, reductions in elective physical education classes and recess time leaves them less able to move their bodies in a healthy way every day. Luckily, Gymco is a big player in the business of teaching kids how to play, and they're helping the littlest Grand Rapidians build healthy bodies and strong minds right here in West Michigan.

Open Roads Opens Doors For Kalamazoo Young People

Zinta Aistars Friday, July 12, 2013

Once you've learned how to fix a bike what else can you fix? For young people in Kalamazoo, Open Roads teaches the skills to find out.

Clay Overmeyer at a Start the Cycle session -Shawn Malone

Teens Find New Direction With Mountain Biking

Deb Pascoe Saturday, June 15, 2013

Start the Cycle introduces court-referred and at-risk teens to the sport of mountain biking as a positive alternative to drug and alcohol use and other unhealthy activities.

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