THIS EVENT IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On Saturday, June 4, from 8:15am - Noon, the UCLA football team will host the Prime Time Games; a full inclusion, peer mentor sports program wherein economically disadvantaged and underserved middle school students from the Team Prime Time after-school program ("coaches") coach and play alongside children with children with special needs, including autism in the only after-school sports program of its kind.
Approximately 50 football players and many other UCLA athletes will take part in "Championship Saturday," serving as honorary coaches and captains for the inclusive soccer and basketball teams.
Opening ceremonies for the coaches, athletes and families in attendance will take place on Spaulding Field at 9:00 am. Soccer commences soon thereafter on Spaulding Field while the basketball teams will play in the Student Activities Center. The basketball games feature guest referee Matt Stevens, a former UCLA quarterback and current analyst on the radio broadcasts.
The driving force behind bringing the Prime Time Games to UCLA is Mike Linn, UCLA's Head Athletic Performance Coach. "This unique program builds much needed self esteem and self confidence in two uniquely different population groups through sports," said Linn. "The lessons learned through coaching, as well as through participation in sports, are long lasting and should be availed for all to experience. This one-day event will highlight the Team Prime Time program and its many participants."
The Prime Time Games began with 20 athletes from six LAUSD schools in the Fall of 2004. By Spring of 2005, the program had nearly tripled in size. To date, over 250 athletes with developmental disabilities ranging from autism to Down syndrome have participated in the Prime Time Games. At the core of the Prime Time Games lies the very simple premise that bringing two "high-risk" populations together, united by a shared love of sport, will generate lasting benefits for everyone involved.
WHAT - The UCLA Football Team Partners hosts the Prime Time Games
WHEN - Saturday, June 4, 8:15am-Noon
WHERE - Spaulding Field and Student Activities Center, UCLA Campus
On Saturday, June 4, from 8:15am - Noon, the UCLA football team will host the Prime Time Games; a full inclusion, peer mentor sports program wherein economically disadvantaged and underserved middle school students from the Team Prime Time after-school program ("coaches") coach and play alongside children with children with special needs, including autism in the only after-school sports program of its kind.
Approximately 50 football players and many other UCLA athletes will take part in "Championship Saturday," serving as honorary coaches and captains for the inclusive soccer and basketball teams.
Opening ceremonies for the coaches, athletes and families in attendance will take place on Spaulding Field at 9:00 am. Soccer commences soon thereafter on Spaulding Field while the basketball teams will play in the Student Activities Center. The basketball games feature guest referee Matt Stevens, a former UCLA quarterback and current analyst on the radio broadcasts.
The driving force behind bringing the Prime Time Games to UCLA is Mike Linn, UCLA's Head Athletic Performance Coach. "This unique program builds much needed self esteem and self confidence in two uniquely different population groups through sports," said Linn. "The lessons learned through coaching, as well as through participation in sports, are long lasting and should be availed for all to experience. This one-day event will highlight the Team Prime Time program and its many participants."
The Prime Time Games began with 20 athletes from six LAUSD schools in the Fall of 2004. By Spring of 2005, the program had nearly tripled in size. To date, over 250 athletes with developmental disabilities ranging from autism to Down syndrome have participated in the Prime Time Games. At the core of the Prime Time Games lies the very simple premise that bringing two "high-risk" populations together, united by a shared love of sport, will generate lasting benefits for everyone involved.
WHAT - The UCLA Football Team Partners hosts the Prime Time Games
WHEN - Saturday, June 4, 8:15am-Noon
WHERE - Spaulding Field and Student Activities Center, UCLA Campus
