Area swimmers meet at Kashmere for Harris County Aquatics Program 11th annual splashdown
Hundreds of Houston area children ages seven to 17 competed in the Harris County Precinct One Street Olympics Aquatics Program (HCAP). The 11th Annual HCAP Splashdown Swim Meet was held on July 26 at the Kashmere High School Natatorium. This aquatics program is an extension of the youth initiative pioneered by Precinct One Commissioner El Franco Lee, designed to build youth confidence and self-esteem and provide a positive alternative to gangs, drugs and violence.

More than 100 registered swimmers competed for first through eighth place ribbons. Summer swim programs that participated in the HCAP include Yates High School, Wheatley High School, Washington High School, Aldine High School and MacArthur Elementary. The Harris County Aquatics Program (HCAP) founded in 1992 by Commissioner El Franco Lee and under the direction of Coach Johnnie Means has become a forerunner in providing quality developmental and competitive talents in the southwest region. HCAP organizers seek to develop valuable leadership and teamwork skills for youth by teaching the sport of swimming and providing opportunities for competition.

HCAP instills discipline and teamwork while providing instruction in a lifetime sport. Throughout its 11-year history, the program has trained youth who have successfully competed in local and national meets. Several participants have earned college swim scholarships, including two team members who were invited to the 2000 Olympic Trials.

Falon Hopkins, 19, demonstrated her skills during this year’s HCAP. Hopkins was invited to the 2000 Olympic Trials and currently swims for the University of Houston. Harris County Precinct One Street Olympics, created by Commissioner Lee in 1987, provides opportunities for children to participate not only in sports, but also Discovery Camps and the Bright Futures Fair. Any Houston-area child is eligible to participate in this summer program.
Events include basketball, track and field (broad jump, long jump, softball throw, various meter runs and relays), aquatics and street games (jacks, hopscotch and jump rope). Harris County Precinct One Street Olympics is partially supported by the Harris County Community Development Department. Among other charities, the Houston Texans Foundation has also chosen to support the Street Olympics program over the next three years.

Goodwill Industries and Compac band together to help less fortunate through trade-in program

Compaq Factory Outlet recently partnered with Goodwill Industries of Houston to host a used computer trade-in program to help those less fortunate. Held at Compaq Factory Outlet’s retail store, employees collected nearly 100 computers during the week long program, providing employment, education and training opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Every person who donated a computer received a $100 rebate off of any purchase of $500 or more. The computer drop-off was held in conjunction with Compaq Factory Outlet’s Demo Day, an event where local technology providers such as AOL and New Horizons gave free demonstrations and consultations.
 
AOKC Houston Junior Open

The Athletic Orthopedics & Knee Center was held recently at tennis centers around the city. A total of 530 young tennis enthusiasts participated in the tournament, which is one of the largest junior tennis competitions in Texas.

The AOKC Houston Junior Open is sanctioned by the United States Tennis Association and the USTA/Texas Section and is presented by the Houston Tennis Association.