Hurlburt youth program earns national recognition Published Oct. 30, 2007 By Jon Ortiz 1st SOSVS HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The Hurlburt Youth Center is one of 10 organizations worldwide to win honorable mention in the 2007 Excellence in Youth Sports Awards program recently. The awards, sponsored by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, honors programs that are doing superior jobs of conducting diverse activities with a focus on providing safe and positive experiences for all participants -- including children, parents and coaches. The Hurlburt youth program was chosen from more than 9,000 organizations worldwide. Each year, NAYS recognizes excellence in programming at both military and civilian youth sports programs. Eight of the 10 honorable mention and five winners were Air Force youth programs. "Air Force Youth Sports programs have always led the nation in receiving this award, and we are proud that the Hurlburt program is one of the best in the nation," said Sharon Brewer, family member programs flight chief for the 1st Special Operations Services Squadron. Jim Harriott, youth sports director, said their sports program is open 70 hours a week and provides the Hurlburt youth with the best organized sports program available. "We have outstanding facilities, equipment, parents, coaches and leadership," Mr. Harriott said. "Nearly 100 volunteers provide quality training and serve as role models to more than 700 children participating in youth sports every year." The youth center has six multi-use fields for baseball, softball, soccer and football, five tennis courts, two outdoor basketball courts, a running track, three age-appropriate playgrounds with a rubberized safety surface, one covered and lighted outdoor multi-use court, and an indoor multi-purpose court for basketball, volleyball, roller skating, and team parties. In addition, the sports program hosts more than six sports camps every year such as archery, soccer and physical fitness; and conducts Start Smart programs for baseball, soccer and basketball--a parent-child learning program for 3 to 5-year-old children. To learn more about Hurlburt Youth Programs, visit www.hurlburtservicesonline.com or call 884-6355.