ABC has recently partnered with A-Train for Youth, a non-profit organization founded by Alex Austin, former NBA
and European League Basketball Player, and his wife Beckie. The mission of A-Train for
Youth is to provide athletes of all ages, talent levels and economic situations the
opportunity to improve their athletic abilities, build confidence, learn teamwork and
enhance communication in a fun and entertaining environment.
Many children participating in the program rely heavily upon sponsorships and
donations to assist them and alleviate the fees and other costs associated with
participating in athletic programs. These costs may include league and tournament
entry fees, AAU player participation cards, uniforms, practices and possibly even
transportation or a new pair of basketball shoes. Due to the generosity of people such
as yourself, we are able to provide these opportunities to many deserving athletes,
helping them to achieve their full potential while becoming upstanding young adults
in our community.
Each athlete participating in the program is asked to sign a player participation
contract. This contract states that they will maintain a 2.75 GPA, allow Coach Alex
Austin and our staff to visit their school anytime unannounced to check on grades and
behavior, and that they will serve a minimum of one hour towards community service
each week. These are the core values which have helped A-Train flourish.
Our growth and achievement has largely been attributed to the support of our
sponsors, parents and dedicated coaches, all of whom work with the program on
a volunteer basis. As such, we rely heavily on donations and volunteers to make our
program the success that it is.
On the horizon, we hope to construct an A-Train For Youth Life Skills Academy. Here
all children will be able participate in a variety of athletics and receive hands on
training. Any athlete who is falling short in school or just needs a quiet place to do their
homework will have a place to come and study. Here we will also prepare our athletes
for college, assisting them with their application and eligibility requirements.
Please support our endeavors by attending our 1st Annual Costumes in the Canyon
fundraiser on Friday, October 23rd.
If you are unable to attend, you may use your
RSVP card to make a 100% tax deductible contribution to A-Train for Youth to assist the
children in the program and help us work towards our goal of achieving the Life Skills
Academy.
Please return the attached by October 15, 2009. Checks may be
made payable to A-Train for Youth or you may provide your credit card number for
payment.
Hotel accommodations at the Cliff Lodge at Snowbird are also available for $75
per night, plus tax. Call 800.453.3000 and mention A-Train when making your room
reservations.
Thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you in your finest costume.
For more information about A-Train for youth visit them at