FLINT, Mich. – A youth organization in Flint, Mich., has received a $5,000 grant to ensure access to sports for underprivileged children.
As reported by MLive.com, the Flint Flames Youth Organization received the grant through the Flint Kids Matter Fund from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
According to a press release from the organization, the funds will help it in its “mission of empowering” the youth of north Flint.
The article states this will allow the Flames to expand its programs, giving more opportunities to local youth to participate in sports.
Executive director Diante Lyles says the grant is a “huge, huge deal,” as all the work the organization has previously done was funded by himself and the parents of the youth they support. In the press release, he added they would not have been able to continue without the funding.
Lyles notes it’s not just about getting children involved in sports, it’s also about “fostering a sense of belonging” for them within their community. The organization is also focused on creating a more “equitable playing field” in youth sports, the article states.
Among other programs, the Flint Flames currently has three boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, respectively, both of which travel around the country.
Anyone interested in donating or sponsoring the organization can visit them on Instagram or Facebook.
