Regina program offers sports mentorship to underprivileged children

A new non-profit organization is in town: It’s called Reggie City and it aims to enhance the lives of underprivileged youth by offering a chance to participate in sports, and support in education and learning life skills.

“It’s important for all children to get out there,” said Charlene Lewis, who’s on the board of directors for Reggie City. “They need to feel like they are part of something, part of a group, part of a team.

“We feel money should not be something that discriminates against kids. They should be able to be involved in sports programs whether or not they come from a wealthy family or they come from a single-parent home.”

Reggie City was conceived by Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle Makana Henry. While working with the youth in Regina, Henry noticed a great need for a sports mentorship program, and he wanted to create a program that was completely free.

“A lot of kids just don’t have that income,” Lewis said. “Parents don’t have that income to be able to support a sports program for their kids.”

The Reggie City organization is in its early stages and consists solely of volunteers who are passionate about giving back to the community. The program offers several organized events throughout the summer, including sports days which offer football, soccer, skateboarding, lacrosse and more.

“We have a lot planned,” Lewis said. “We are hoping to have some educational programs as well.”

As a non-profit, Reggie City is looking for donations and support from the community. That includes cash donations to purchase equipment as well as drinks and food to supply to the children.

“In all honesty, we need everything,” Lewis said. “We need donations of equipment — you know, cleats for the kids to play and sports equipment. We need gift certificates so we can purchase drinks and food for the kids. Anything like that would be helpful to keep the program going.”

For many families and children, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact. Reggie City is hoping to give back by providing a sense of normalcy once again.

“We are hoping now that the restrictions are going to be lifted that things are going to be a little easier for the kids,” Lewis said. “After this long period of lockdown, we will probably have somewhere around 100 (kids).

“Parents are itching to get out and get their kids back into sports and playing with their friends.”

Two football camps are taking place on June 18 and 25 at the Mâmawêyatitân Centre. A sports day on June 26 will follow.

“It takes a community to raise kids,” Lewis said. “We are just hoping to get as much support from the community as we can.”

Those looking to get involved or to donate to Reggie City can contact organizers on Instagram (@Reggiecityyouth or @Front7YQR) or Facebook.