SU hosts Saturday recreation program for Syracuse families

Syracuse University’s Department of Recreation Services continues its longstanding tradition of opening its facilities to Syracuse families on Saturday mornings through the Neighborhood Youth Recreation Program (NYRP). Dating back to the mid 1970s, the NYRP was designed as a free program to give local, community youth, ages 5 to 12—regardless of their economic situation—the opportunity to participate in safe, structured recreational activities.

The 2011-12 Neighborhood Youth Recreation Program is to include free instruction for Syracuse children in gymnastics, basketball, indoor soccer and outdoor and experiential learning opportunities. Parents and children will also be able to enjoy together as a family classes in Zumba fitness and yoga.

“This program is a great opportunity for the Syracuse community to take advantage of our facilities and for kids and their parents to participate together,” says Ernie Rivera, assistant director of Recreation Services. “There are many kids looking for guidance and additional fitness activities, and this program can provide the direction and structure, while also being fun.”

The classes will be held throughout the school year on Saturdays from 9-11:30 a.m. at Archbold Gymnasium on SU’s campus. Participants will be rotated throughout the various classes, so they can experience each of the disciplines.

In order to participate, parents and/or guardians must attend the open registration session for the fall program on Oct. 8 in the Archbold Gymnasium lobby, between 9-11:30 a.m. No classes will be held on this day. The dates for the fall session are as follows: Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 12, and Nov. 19.

For more information on the NYRP, contact Ernie Rivera at 443-3288 or errivera@syr.edu.