AIM USA In The News

Richmond Suburban Newspapers, A Division Of JGF Media, Inc.

Vol. 15, No. 51

May 24, 2000

Sports

Karate kids advance through AIM program

by Joey Matthews

Three young bucks who participate in the Athletes In Motion (AIM) program at Cold Harbor Elementary School took aim at the program's annual karate tournament on May 13 at Lloyd Bird High School, bringing home first-place trophies.

They were 7-year-old Hunter Meredith, 6-year-old Tyler Baldacci and 5-year-old Matthew Wilmer.

Meredith, a first-grader at Cold Harbor, won first in sparring for 6-year-olds, topping 21 other youngsters. He advanced to third-degree yellow belt, in AIM's advancement ceremony on Thursday at Cold Harbor.

It was quite a day for Meredith, who accepted his advancement belt, while celebrating his seventh birthday. He's been involved in the AIM program the past two years. He also plays T-ball for the Mechanicsville Little League Cardinals.

Of his win, his mother, Deborah, said, "It's the first time he did a tournament."

She said karate plays a big part in his early development skills as a youngster. "It controls his attitude," she said. "He's not going off on anybody."

Baldacci's mother, Tami, said karate has enhanced her son's outlook. "It's given him a lot of self confidence," she said. "It teaches him about persevering, to keep on trying."

Tyler illustrated that by competing in the tournament, after overhearing discouraging words from a parent who attended a recent practice session. "A parent said something to him a couple of weeks ago that was discouraging," his mother said. "Some of the parents came up to me and told me about it later.

"After he heard it, Tyler was upset. He didn't want to come back. He didn't want to go to the tournament. I told him to go there and all you can do is your best."

Baldacci, a Washington-Henry kindergartener, rose to the occasion, winning best-kick, best-punch for 6-year-old boys.

"I didn't think I did the right kick that they requested, but I did," Baldacci said.

He credited the Cold Harbor AIM teacher, sensai Tony Western, for his help. "I had a good teacher," he said.

Baldacci also plays soccer with the Richmond Capitals' organization and T-Ball through the YMCA. He said karate helps him "keep my focus."

His mother said the experience with the "discouraging" parent reminded her "that when children are in sports, you've got to make it as pleasant as possible. We need to conduct ourselves as parents. If a child is not doing well, you've got to try to encourage them."

Wilmer, a kindergartener at Mechanicsville Elementary School, won first in the division, "Show What You Know," competing in his second tournament. He also won first in the same category last year.

He advanced from second degree yellow to third on Thursday.

Wilmer also plays T-ball and soccer and swims.

Jim Johnson, director for AIM, said the non-profit organization, develops and implements after-school programs in karate, dance and cheerleading throughout the state.

About 75 children participated in the karate program at Cold Harbor.

On Tuesdays, a similar program was offered at Pearson's Corner Elementary School, which attracted about 115 participants.

The youth meet once a week, with each session lasting about 45 minutes. Cost is $5 per session.

They are trained by instructors "who train under one of our instructors for six or seven sessions, before they go out on their own," Johnson said. They undergo a criminal and credit check, before they are allowed to teach.

The students start with a white belt, then proceed through yellow,orange purple, green, blue, red, brown and black.

About 300 youth from across the state participated in the meet at Lloyd Bird. About 1,000 people were in attendance. Trophies were given out for first- to third-place finishers, and a medal was given for a fourth-place finish.

Johnson said anyone interested in learning more can call 323-5985 or log on to their web site at www.aimusainc.com.

6/4/2004

Department: Parks and Recreation

COMCAST HOSTING FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA – Comcast is hosting its annual Fourth of July celebration at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, where there will be a spectacular fireworks display at dark. The celebration will also include special entertainment and children’s activities. Admission to this event is free.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. Parking is limited and the roads leading to the fairgrounds will be closed as parking lots fill, or by 9 p.m. Alcohol, glass bottles, pets and personal fireworks will not be permitted. Blankets and lawn chairs are recommended.

The sponsors of the Comcast Fourth of July Celebration are Comcast Metro Richmond and AIM USA. The event is supported by Ukrop’s Super Markets, Inc.; Allen, Allen, Allen and Allen; Timmons Group; Sheetz, Inc.; Uppy’s Convenience Stores; and Bon Secours St. Frances Medical Center.

For more information please call Dave Caras at 748-1132.

9/10/1999

Department: Parks and Recreation

RAINBOW OF ARTS FESTIVAL STILL STRONG AFTER 22 YEARS

CHESTERFIELD, VA -- The Chesterfield County Annual Rainbow of Arts Festival, benefiting the Chesterfield Jaycees’ community programs, will hold its 22nd event on Saturday, Sept. 18, at Rockwood Park, 3401 Courthouse Road, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Join the community in celebrating a festival of arts and crafts. Children will enjoy the Imagination Station with its tent full of free clay and craft activities, as well as a concession area with a climbing wall and moon walk. Corporate sponsor is Athletes in Motion (AIM USA). AIM USA, Jazzercise and Virginia International Gymnastics will give demonstrations throughout the day.

This event will be held rain or shine. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call Laura Dalton at 748-1130.

6/26/2001

Department: Public Affairs

JULY 4 CELEBRATION PLANNED AT FAIRGROUNDS

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA - Come celebrate our nation's independence with a spectacular fireworks display at dark at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds.

Comcast's Fourth of July Celebration 2001 will include children's activities and special entertainment. Bring lawn chairs or blankets (no alcohol, glass bottles, pets or personal fireworks allowed). Admission is free.

Gates will open at 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 4. The fireworks display will begin at dark. The fairgrounds are located on Courthouse Road across from L.C. Bird High School.

Parking is limited. Roads leading to the fairgrounds will be shut down at 9 p.m., or as parking lots reach capacity.

This Fourth of July event is sponsored by Comcast, AIM USA, Uppy's, Ledo Pizza, Garden South/Rx South Pharmacy and Ukrop's/First Market Bank.

For more information, please call 748-1623.