New Jersey Program Creates Path For Youth [AUDIO]

The Pan-American School of Sports continues to make huge strides in the Tri-State Area, helping to improve the quality of life for our youth.

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The program was started by Founder and Executive Director Francisco Casado between 2002 and 2003, with the current organization taking effect in 2010 as the Pan-American School of Sports.

"Everyone is eligible for an opportunity to participate with PASOS," Casado explained.

The non-profit uses their sports and arts programs to focus on the complete development of participants through training and competition.

PASOS's "best practice" programs, combines academics, baseball, volleyball, field hockey, basketball, swimming, tennis, lectures and clinics, with the vision that youth entering as vulnerable children graduate as resilient young adults.

"We don't discriminate for any reason whatsoever, and we are open for anybody to use our stuff," he said.

PASOS aims for kids to use the training they receive to use as a way to launch them into college and create opportunities. The organization also serves to hand-hold parents through the process.

"Our goal is to serve the kids. Our goal is to create a path that the parents can use."

They are currently in the process of buying a facility in Perth Amboy, which would house all of their programs under one roof. On November 8th, they are hosting an event to get the word out about the work they are doing, and to raise funds for the new building.

The event will be held at the Perth Amboy waterfront, aboard the Cornucopia Cruise Line, with a dinner, gala, awards for kids that have excelled, and the headliner, a concert by Bernie Williams & the All-Stars Band. Carlos Baerga, Wilda Diaz and Roberto Clemente, Jr. will also speak about to stay on the track of success in and out of the classroom or the playing fields.

"Our program not only deals with the ability, but also with the intellect of the kids," he said.

Find out more about PASOS and the event on November 8th by visiting their website.

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