Tulane University and New Orleans Saints Announce Their Sponsorship and Support of the Youth Impact Program for the Fourth Year

NEW ORLEANS, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Riki Ellison, Founder and Chairman of the Youth Impact Program announced on Friday, March 4th, 2011 that Tulane University, New Orleans Saints and SMART Technologies are sponsoring the program this July on the campus of Tulane University.  This is the fourth year that these organizations have sponsored the program.  In addition, the Youth Impact Program has recently been accepted as an Advocate for the President's Challenge, the premier program of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. 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.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110310/DC61893)

The announcement about Tulane University and the New Orleans sponsorship took place on Friday, March 4th at the Samel 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 Program, Lindsey Stineman, Director of Student-Athletic Academic Services at Tulane University, 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 proud of what it brings to the New Orleans community," Ellison said.

NOTE TO MEDIA:  Call Mike Terrill at 602 885-1955 if you would like to interview Mr. Riki Ellison, a three time Super Bowl Champion with the San Francisco 49ers. 

SOURCE Youth Impact Program (YIP)