Eight youth from our Devereux
Massachusetts / Rhode Island center were crowned champions of the recent National Youth Project Using Minibikes (NYPUM) East Rodeo competition as a result of their
stellar show of sportsmanship, reinforcing their self-esteem and
self-discipline.
In
addition to the Sportsmanship Champions
Trophy, all eight boys received several ribbons in individual events as
they tested their NYPUM skills on the challenging
course.
“Our kids were very well behaved and they did a great job
across the board! They
did not set out to win the trophy but, instead, came to enjoy themselves, make
new friends and catch up with old friends,” said Devereux Massachusetts Recreation Coordinator Tim Connor. “For our kids to hear other programs chant
‘Devereux’ as the trophy was being presented was an amazing boost of
self-esteem for them.”
About the competition
The
NYPUM competition – held at Camp Pinnacle in Voorheesville, N.Y. – consists of
nine events over a two-day period. The NYPUM program is not about racing and
tricks, rather, it is about understanding proper use of the minibikes,
responsibility for the equipment, and respecting shared use areas. Events
consist of using equipment, proper balance and rider positioning, and
counterbalancing.
Devereux
Massachusetts / Rhode Island has been participating in the NYPUM East Rodeo for
the past 10 years. This year’s group consisted of eight of 42 Devereux
Massachusetts / Rhode Island NYPUM riders who were selected due to their
dedication to the program, along with the effort they have put into their
respective clinical treatments.
“The smiles and sense of pride instilled in young people – when they accomplish
something they never would have imagined they could do – is something to be
extremely proud of,” added Connor. “Moments like these are part of the reason I
continue to do the work I do.”
For
more information about NYPUM, click here.
To
learn more about Devereux Massachusetts / Rhode Island, click here.
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