Partners In Neighborhood Growth, Inc. (PING) is a multi-purpose, multi-sport, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to assist in shaping and molding the lines of young people originating as a youth program in April 1981, PING was formed in response to an outburst of youth crime in the summer of 1980. Youth violence and gangs were escalating and developing at an alarming rate. Since it's origin, PING has been responding to the needs of delinquent and disadvantaged youth or youth who have problems with delinquency. Many of the youth are simply looking for fun activities as a way to alleviate boredom.

This program works with many aspects of the lives of the young people involved. OUR AIM is to introduce skills, knowledge and behavior necessary for success, and eliminate the negatives. We want to cultivate in our youth, positive social behavior and work ethics. Our aim is to instill in them traits like: honesty, courage, compassion, responsibility and leadership, increased self-esteem, self sufficiency and self-control.

Since our origin in 1981, the number of participants has increased to over 25,000 young people. Many participants are involved in some aspects of the program all year, while others are only involved in some of the seasonal athletics.

This program is made up of many volunteer youth sport coaches, administrators and recreational professionals dedicated to helping thousands of youths.

PING has received both local and national recognition for its significant influence on youths. We are proud to have helped the young citizens of this community in laying a foundation for positive growth.

 

SPORTS AND RECREATION offer youth a chance to improve their behavior and attitude and help in developing overall self-image through sports. We place emphasis on cooperation rather than competition and on effort not outcome and stress cooperation rather than outstanding performance. We strive to operate this program with the best interest of the youth as our primary objective. Sports programs help promote and develop sportsmanship, leadership, physical fitness and offers educational opportunities for its participants.

PING's greatest number of participants are concentrated in athletics. The primary emphasis on athletics is in the active sports, where all eligible and interested youth, male and female, have the opportunity to participate. Our athletic programs are and include: SOCCER, VOLLEYBALL,BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL and TENNIS. Interested youth also have the opportunity to participate in other areas of recreation such as golf, table tennis, swimming, Karate, tumbling, arts and crafts, and many other scheduled activities. Each of our 8 locations offers many and varied recreation programs.

Transportation, uniforms, athletic equipment and insurance are provided to all teams registered in all five sports leagues. There are no fees for transportation or participation.