Youth Impact Program to receive sponsors from Tulane University, New Orleans Saints

Riki Ellison, Founder and Chairman of the Youth Impact Program announced on Friday, March 4th, 2011 that Tulane University, New Orleans Saints, SMART Technologies and the President's Council on Fitness, Sports on Nutrition are sponsoring the Youth Impact Program this July on the campus of Tulane University.  This is the fourth year for the program to be held on the campus of Tulane University.  The Youth Impact Program (YIP) invests in "at risk" below the poverty line young boys 9 to 12 years old in a four-week intensive program by using Tulane University facilities, staff, student-athletes and local middle school teachers.

The announcement about Tulane University, New Orleans Saints, SMART Technologies and the President's Council on Fitness, Sports on Nutrition sponsorship took place on Friday, March 4th at the Samuel J. Green Charter School in New Orleans.  Rick Dickson, Athletic Director at Tulane University; Ben Hales, Saints' VP of Marketing & Business Development; Jason Trosclair, Saints' Director of Youth Programs; Lindsey Stineman, Director of Student-Athletic Academic Services and the YIP Director at Tulane; and Riki Ellison, Founder & Chairman of the Youth Impact Program were on hand to speak to the more than 100 young boys who are eligible for this summer's program.  The Saints brought their mascot, Gumbo, who was an instant hit and enjoyed mixing with the students during the information session.

In addition, David Doss representing Senator Vitter, Laverne Saulny representing Senator Landrieu, Karen Domino representing Congressman Richmond and Sayde Finkel representing City Council President Arnie Fielkow were in attendance.  

Riki Ellison stated that Senator David Vitter supported the program and asked him to share the following message: "The Youth Impact Program is a creative partnership that tackles one of the most challenging problems facing communities across our nation.  I was proud to sponsor a resolution in the U.S. Senate commending YIP for its important work to provide mentorship, academic assistance and valuable life skills to some of the most at-risk young men in our cities."

Gumbo, the Saints mascot along with 5 Tulane football players helped to explain the program to boys in the 5th, 6th and 7th grades.  Gumbo told Riki Ellison that he is also a great supporter of the Youth Impact Program and would plan to be at the camp in July to perform for the boys.

This year's program at Tulane University will begin on July 5th, 2011, and Ellison expects about 100 boys will enroll in this year's Youth Impact Program at the University. "This is a cooperative community outreach program for both Tulane University and the New Orleans Saints, and we are proud of what it brings to the New Orleans community," Ellison said.