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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Former athlete founds youth group

Posted

Most athletes have experienced an injury that has left them feeling hopeless and disappointed with themselves. This was just the case for Silver City local, Jason Burke. When he was in High School, he was what you would call a “prodigy” baseball player. He was so good that he was supposed to move on to play next-level baseball—that is until he suffered a career-ending injury. Heartbroken, Jason was forced to give up on his hopes and dreams of becoming a professional baseball player. However, this sparked an interest for something bigger; helping the youth. While he was unable to play baseball himself, he still wanted to be involved in the baseball community. Jason became the founder of the organization,
the Southwest Adolescent Group, or more well-known as SWAG. Jason aims to embody a culture built around providing outlets for the youth, that primarily revolve around sports. Being in such a small town — Silver City — the youth are not given many opportunities and activities. This oftentimes results in children getting caught up in the “wrong crowds.”
However, SWAG enables children to get out and do activities they enjoy, including baseball, basketball, or even reading!
By doing so, children are less susceptible to engaging in drugs, abuse, and gangs. With youth being the future, this issue must be addressed. Children have needs that we must fulfill to ensure happy, healthy, and well-educated lives where they can reflect on the memories they’ve built for the rest of their lives. All communities should strive to establish similar organizations that create accessible programs that the youth can use to explore their own passions.



Sincerely,

Desi, Autumn, Gracey, Aaron
Western New Mexico University


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