Executive Summary
KidsGames Orlando 2004 was started in December 2003 with the program held during the week of July 12-16, 2004. There were three primary objectives of the program: 1) to provide an opportunity for the Greater Orlando area to experience and participate in a citywide event for the youth ages 6-14; 2) utilized sports as the medium to unite the community both in Central Florida and Egypt; and 3) provide an opportunity for churches, organizations, and businesses to work together for the benefit of the youth and their families. Emphasis was place on building sustainable relationships and a quality program that we could build upon in the future.
In order to achieve the stated objectives, a model and plan was developed that would include the leadership structure and resources required for a successful program. The model and plan presented clear direction and instructions on how the program would be executed yet provided the flexibility to adapt to the needs and resources of the specific site and team. The initial focus was to identify local area churches, organizations, and businesses whom already had a passion for the stated objectives yet looking for an opportunity to get involved with others who were willing to partner.
Throughout the process of preparing for KidsGames Orlando 2004, relationships were developed as over 40 different churches, organizations, and businesses worked together at ten (10) separate locations. Over 3,000 youth ages 6-14 were involved in sports, creative arts, and a value based curriculum on the Apostle Paul. Nearly 1,000 participants were from low income and challenged neighborhoods. During the week, Kids learn many valuable life lessons such as overcoming, perseverance, and the importance of having a positive attitude. There were many exciting elements to KidsGames Orlando that provided an opportunity for others to experience and learn such as the compassion project where kids worked together to help thousands less fortunate in the Orlando community.
KidsGames Orlando 2004 culminated with a closing ceremony and celebration at the TD Waterhouse, home of the Orlando Magic Basketball team, where over 5,000 athletes, families and fans joined together. The event was emceed by Producer Doug Hughs of Z88.3 radio and was an exciting evening featuring kids from all sites as they marched in a parade around the arena and participated in World Championship games with other kids from around the world. A special greeting from President George W. Bush was presented by Dr. Joel Hunter, Senior Pastor, Northland, A Church Distributed and host of KidsGames Orlando. Andrew DeClercq, Orlando Magic, encouraged the kids and presented the athletes from all sites with a Gold Medal for their participation in KidsGames Orlando 2004.
KidsGames Orlando 2004 served as a catalyst to unite the community. There are several follow up activities in process and planned over the next 12 months to continue in the relationship building process for everyone involved (kids, families, churches, organizations, and businesses). We look forward to building on the foundation established through KidsGames Orlando 2004 as we plan and prepare for KidsGames Orlando 2005 next summer. We hope you will be part of this great opportunity.
Sincerely,
Wayne Edwards
Director KidsGames Orlando
wayne.edwards@northlandcc.net
407 557 6577
