The Newark Municipal Council
Office of Council Member Ronald C. Rice
For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 23, 2007
Contact: Owen Petrie — 973-930-1207

Newark Plans to Shine at Youth Games and Save $40,000 to Boot

Councilman Ron C. Rice says $40K savings put city ahead of the game

NEWARK—The city is once again sending a contingent of 96 youngsters to Orlando, Florida to represent Newark in the U.S. Youth Games. In previous years that also meant that a sizeable adult entourage would be joining them on Newark’s dime. Those days are over, said West Ward Councilman, Ronald C. Rice.

“Foremost, this is a wonderful learning experience for the kids. They’ll work hard, compete and connect with folks, just like them, from all over the country. No matter how they fare on the playing field, they will have achieved something very valuable. However, there are no moral victories when it comes to taxpayer money. Every little bit counts and I’m proud to say
that the administration, Municipal Council and residents have worked together to trim the costs from over $170,000 to $42,000,” Rice said.

Rice noted that in 2006, for instance, coaches and chaperones were paid a stipend—some exceeding $1000—totaling $40,650.39 to accompany the kids to the Games. This year, 5 city staff workers will receive compensatory pay and the coaches and chaperones will be volunteers who won’t receive any city funds. Two required EMS workers will travel with the group, for a total expenditure of $2000. The Games will be held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex July 17-23. Newark
will be competing in boys and girls basketball, bowling, flag football, golf, swimming and
volleyball.

The councilman pointed out that the $132, 265 cost of the chartered plane that sent them to the Games in 2006 has been whacked down to $40,000 for this year’s event because they’re taking the train. “The kids and adults get to know each other a little better and, thanks to Amtrak, many of them will get to see parts of the country that they’ve never witnessed beyond
their television screens,” Rice said.

For more information on the Games, contact Donnell Redding, 973-733-4451 or Tia Montigue, 973-733-6456 of the Division of Recreation and Cultural Affairs.