ZUNI, NM (July 24, 2023) — This month, the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project added a new league to its popular Youth Sport initiative. With support from Nike, New Mexico Department of Health, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the nonprofit youth project kicked off its first-ever T-ball league for 4- to 5-year-olds.
The four-week league began on July 5 with 40 children. Divided into four teams of 10 players each, the youth have been practicing every Wednesday at 9-10 a.m. with games on Fridays at 9-10 a.m., and ZYEP provided each player with a hat, shirt and water bottle for each day’s activities.
“The first week started with two practices so we could give participants an opportunity to understand the game,” said Tyler Sice, ZYEP’s physical activity coordinator. “For the majority of the league’s participants, this will be their first experience with organized sports. We encouraged family members to participate in the practices and games, and this is the most engagement I’ve ever seen.”
For their part, family members are reporting that this first T-ball season is already a great success. One parent remarked that the coaches are doing a great job, demonstrating patience as they teach the children a new sport. A second parent observed her otherwise shy child has been very excited to try something new and interact with other children.
“My child has become more active and enjoys playing,” said another family member. “Learning a new sport excites her (and encourages her) to keep playing. It is very fun and exciting to see the smaller youth being able to participate and interact with other children.”
Executive Director Tahlia Natachu agreed, noting that this new addition to the annual Youth Sport leagues allows ZYEP to connect with the community’s younger children and give them opportunities to practice new skills, learn teamwork, spend time outdoors, and build relationships.
“We’re so excited about this,” she said. “We’re also finding that the practices and games are wonderful new reasons for our community to gather together to support and celebrate our young ones.”
ZYEP’s T-ball season will end July 28. Going forward, it will be a staple of summer youth programming for the youth project.
Through its Youth Sport initiative, ZYEP connects with more than 500 youth annually. In addition to the new T-ball season, young people also are able to take advantage of seasonal leagues in basketball, soccer and flag football. More importantly, they have access to mentorship through ZYEP’s staff and coaches, camaraderie with teammates throughout the leagues, and powerful community spirit.
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09)
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
