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'GPGP' the place to go for after-school sports

Gilbert Park brothers avoid violence, channel energy into fun competition

By: Katherine Dow

Posted: 09/29/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Matthew Martin (left) and his brother Jordan enjoy playing after-school sports at the Gilbert Park Resource Centre. (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

Matthew Martin, 14, grew up in a community he says has a big problem with bullying.

He lives with his mom and three siblings in Gilbert Park, a Manitoba Housing project in Winnipeg's North End that has had a number of violent crimes in recent years.

Matthew says he's been called names and shoved by other kids who live in the complex. He said it happens a lot in the area.

But Matthew and his brother Jordan, 15, have found a safe place in their community where they can spend time with their friends and have fun playing the sports they love. The Martin brothers go to Gilbert Park Going Places -- affectionately called GPGP, an after-school program for the community's youth at the Gilbert Park Resource Centre.

"I play sports there pretty much every day after school. I go there and get to hang out with my brother or other kids. It's just fun," Matthew says, adding football is his favourite activity.

Jordan, who's in Grade 10 at Sisler High School, likes the program because he can practise his basketball skills.

"I like the mentors they bring in. We do things together... play lots of sports. When there's nothing to do after school, I just come to GPGP," he says.

The program is operated through NorWest Co-Op Community Health, a not-for-profit organization that provides health and wellness programming for communities throughout the city.

Stephanie Ens, a social worker with NorWest Co-Op, says the after-school programs help kids steer clear of violence, drinking and drugs -- pitfalls some youth in the Gilbert Park area fall into, she says.

"There is definitely a trend of violence and bullying. They see a lot of violence compared to most kids, I'd say. I counsel youth that have thoughts of suicide or kids that cut, even kids who are having trouble behaving in the centre. We're here for them," Ens says.

NorWest operates its programming throughout the city with financial help from the United Way, which donates about $250,000 annually.

The money helps fund the operating costs for the programs the Martin brothers use every day after school.

The program, the boys say, motivated them to start Drop In Sports, an after-school sports league the brothers started running out of GPGP two weeks ago.

"We want to give back to the community, but I also like being in charge," Jordan joked.

Matthew says he likes being a leader too, a habit he hopes to make a career as a police officer.

"I like having someone I can go to when I need help. I want to help people myself," Matthew says. "That's what it feels like here."

city.desk@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 29, 2012 B2

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