By Felix Hoover

For YourNewsColumbus.com

Posted 08-03-09

Everyone was a winner on Friday at the Columbus After-School All-Stars Summer Games at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium at Ohio State University.

 Each of the 1,000 or so young people who took part in the day camp, even a few grumblers, left with a gold medal and a day of memories following a day of sports, games, robotics, food and fellowship.

 Youngsters from recreation center across the city rotated among 20 activity stations to challenge their minds and bodies.

 "I learned how to fence," said Sade Whitehurst, 12, of Howard Recreation Center.

 She also enjoyed archery and running on a collegiate track.

 Janei Brightwell of Neighborhood House did wrestling and "those little bow and arrow thingies."

 Many of the activities were sports not offered at most city middle schools.

 Last summer's event was canceled for lack of money, but returned this year thanks to donations and discounts, said Jeff Stone, president and board chairman of the local After-School All-Stars.

 Unlike previous years, in which all of the activity was athletics, this year added dance and other arts, said Donald Anthony, the program's executive director.

 "We want them to have a good experience, a new experience and know that there are people who really care about them so they are motivated to do the best they can."

 A gold medal attached to a blue ribbon was draped around the neck of each youngster by program's end.

 During the day, each child wore a T-shirt with the name of the program and sponsors on the front. The back of their shirts was blank until street artist Giovanni added names and designs to them.

 "Giovanni was the hit today," Stone said.

 After-School All-Stars, initially the Inner-City Games, began in 1992 in Los Angeles as an initiative of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. A conversation in 1999 between him and

Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman brought the program to Columbus in 2000.