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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 21, 2016)
September 21, 2016 Page 5 Baseball c oNtiNued from f roNt – that it is about more than just hits and runs. Studies point to a positive correlation between participation in organized youth sports and greater academic success, con- centration, and self-esteem. Youth sports have also been linked to the development of the “5 C’s”: competence, confidence, connection, compassion and character. Two years ago, researchers from Cor- nell University discovered longer-lasting outcomes. Through a survey of World War II veterans, these researchers found connections between their participation in youth sports and long-term career success, as well as higher rates of leadership and volunteerism that persisted for more than 55 years. Having programs like Full Count on school grounds make it possible to once again see boys and girls hit, catch, and throw their way to a deeper understanding of the power of teamwork, determination, self-confidence, and respect, no matter what curveballs come their way. Together we’re building, one pitch at a time, the next generation of children who, when their time comes to step up to the plate as adults, will have the tools to knock it out of the park. From the fields of the former Peninsula Little League, to the baseball diamonds at Kenton, Columbia, Lillis-Albina and Un- thank parks, to the green space where the beloved Dawson Park provided space for regular pickup ballgames -- our youth are asking, “Can I Play?” Together and with investment where it’s most needed, we can answer a resounding “Yes.” A benefit for Friends of Baseball’s Full Count after school program will be held Fri¬day, Sept. 23, 2016 at Ore¬gon Golf Club. For tickets and more information, visit freindsofbaseball.org/2016gala. Nova Newcomer is executive director of Friends of Baseball. Wrongful Death Settlement (AP) -- Relatives of Sandra Bland, a black woman who died last summer in a Texas jail after a contentious traffic stop, have reached a $1.9 million settlement in their wrongful-death lawsuit, the family’s attorney told a Houston television station Thursday. Bland, who was from the Chicago area, died in her cell three days after she was arrested by a white Texas state trooper for a mi- nor traffic offense. Her death was ruled a suicide, and Bland’s family Sandra Bland later sued Waller County and the Texas De- partment of Public Safety. Video from the July 10, 2015, traffic stop shows the trooper drawing his stun gun and telling Bland, “I will light you up!” He was later fired and charged with a misdemeanor perjury charge stemming from the arrest. He has pleaded not guilty. Friends of Baseball sponsor local programs like Full Count, forming baseball teams that help local kids build skills like teamwork, determination, self confidence and respect.