Kids across Hartford got a chance to escape the heat Monday while still getting plenty of exercise — all thanks to a new program called Hartford Night Gym.
Four public gyms will be opening on summer evenings, allowing kids to take advantage of athletic training and all the perks the facilities have to offer.
From dribbling down the court to sprinting across the goal line, hundreds of kids hone their athletic skills or take up a new sport at Hartford Gym Nights.
“I want to improve myself and get better at basketball,” said 12-year-old Christian Lee.
More than 470 children in Hartford have enrolled in the free, six-week program run by the nonprofit Active City.
During the open gym on weekdays from 4pm to 8pm, kids can choose to train in basketball, soccer, softball, football, volleyball and more.
Seventh-grader Mason Valacherill, a competitive lacrosse player, will be trying track and field for the first time.
“Athletics helps me get better at other sports because a lot of them have a lot to do with running,” said 11-year-old Valachereel.
The Hartford Night Gym is open to kids who live or go to school in Hartford. Valachere lives in Middletown but is eligible to participate because he goes to school in Hartford. His parents say the 30-minute drive won’t stop him from coming back to the track.
“I think it’s worth it because, number one, it keeps my son in shape for the fall lacrosse season and the current season, but it also keeps him active and motivated,” said Marilyn Jose, Valachereel’s mother.
The kids learn from coaches like high school track and field coach Dwayne Thomas, who develops athletes from a young age.
“I think it’s great to give kids the opportunity because a lot of times they’re interested in a lot of sports,” Thomas said.
Thomas said the program opens up the possibility of joining the school’s team in the future and possibly earning a scholarship one day.
Also, the air conditioning is on when you open the gym door.
“It’s very good. If it was outside, I would probably be dead right now,” Lee said.
This is one of the amenities available to families through the Hartford Knight Gym.
“We’re going to take advantage of the facilities and give them access to laundromat,” Thomas said, “so they have access to a lot of things they can’t have at home.”“
Hartford children ages 6 to 18 are still encouraged to register, which can be done on the Active City website.
