“The children here have been through a lot,” emphasized Akyng Frankin. “They deserve to have a safe space to get moving, get their blood flowing and develop certain skills that sports can nurture.”
Child and Family Services (C+FS) recently welcomed Akyng, Recreation Assistant, to the team. Akyng is determined to incorporate sports into the recreation schedule and hopes to help the children learn valuable skills and have a healthy outlet when they’re struggling mentally or emotionally.
The weather hasn’t always been ideal for outdoor activity in January, but the kids have already been able to sneak in some time outside to play basketball and throw the football around. Fortunately, when the weather doesn’t cooperate, the children have been able to take their games inside to the gymnasium at the Family Support Center within the Delaware Avenue campus at C+FS. It isn’t all about physical fitness, though. Sports make a positive impact on other aspects of children’s lives, too.
One of our young aspiring athletes had been working hard on improving his basketball shot. At first, he was only able to make a basket from right under the hoop. When he was satisfied with that spot, he took a few steps back. He repeated this process, over and over getting further and further from the hoop. When he practiced his farthest shot, the boy smiled and celebrated before he started to play again. This is the type of determination and confidence that Akyng loves to see.
“I think physical activity is so important for developing social and leadership skills,” said Akyng. “I’m very passionate about how sports and physical activity can impact the mind, how we see ourselves and the benefits of staying active. I’m excited for the opportunity to be introducing these ideas to the children.”
While Akyng was serving in the Marine Corps, he volunteered at the Special Olympics and at an orphanage where he played soccer for two hours daily with the children who lived there. Additionally, Akyng has four years of experience coaching soccer for the non-profit program, Soccer for Success, through Independent Health. As a coach, Akyng would discuss social and emotional topics such as building confidence and courage while teaching basic soccer skills.
“I’ve worked with children for most of my life,” stated Akyng. “I’m really looking forward to getting to know each child in our program, experimenting with different sports every week to see what their interests are and helping them achieve their recreational goals.”