YES is excited to collaborate for the second year with the Clay Soper Memorial Fund to offer the Clay Connections program throughout the 2017-18 school year. This program was established in 2016 in memory of former YES teen and Winchester resident, Clay Soper, who tragically passed away in 2015.
The Clay Connections program brings together middle school students from Dorchester’s Neighborhood House Charter School and Winchester’s McCall Middle School to participate in sports-based activities while building friendships and gaining an appreciation of their differences. The four-week program introduces young people to a variety of sports and follows a curriculum inspired by Clay. Each week, students explore a different theme: Trust, Adventure, Stewardship and Kindness. These are core values which Clay embraced throughout his life and in his interaction with others.
Clay Connections had its first meeting on October 18. Together, youth from Dorchester and Winchester explored the theme of “trust” as they conquered the rock walls at Metro Rock Climbing Gym. Watch the video below to see clips of the youth in action! Other upcoming activities include biking at the Middlesex Fells Reservation, cross-country skiing at Weston Ski Track, and downhill skiing at Waterville Valley. An estimated 20 young people will participate in the program this school year.
Thank you to the Clay Soper Memorial Fund for involving YES in its important work. Learn more about the foundation here.
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