Lakota students at Little Wound School excel at sports despite a lack of resources for programs. With the right equipment and support for athletics, we hope that each child can have the chance to practice and compete, build confidence, improve their health and experience teamwork.
After-School Baseball: In Kyle, there had not been after-school baseball for the kids since the early 1980’s. Through generous donations there has been a revival of Little League baseball. Not only does this give the children the opportunity to develop self-confidence and a sense of pride, it helps bring families together when they show up for the games to support their kids. One of the school teachers said “anything that gives the kids something to do is very beneficial to their well-being.”
Golf: The Little Wound golf program is only 10 years old but Lance, the golf coach, was able to take 5 girls to the recent State Championships! Considering that these students have poor equipment and the nearest course is 50 miles away, that is an astounding achievement. Lance gives the kids old balls to take home and they practice hitting them into the prairie grasses. There are about 35 girls on the team that have been invited to the Lakota Nation Invitation golf tournament on May 6th, 2012 and they desperately need funding to make it there. The team is also hoping to create a driving range near Oglala Lakota College so they have a place to practice.
Softball: Dedicated Little Wound teachers wanted to get a softball team started and had 19 kids signed up but they had to cancel the program due to lack of funding.
Track: Many kids don’t try out for track despite their talent and interest because they can’t afford shoes. We hope to be able to provide gym shoes to every child who wants to participate in the track program.
Weight Room: Through the generosity of the Kowall family and friends of White Pines Golf Dome in Illinois, over$ 8,000 was raised to purchase weight lifting equipment for Little Wound High School. The school of 300 + students had almost no equipment and no aerobic machines. They have a good start from these donations and need more to continue the expansion.
Additional Sports: Sports such as basketball, volleyball, rodeo and even archery are severely underfunded or unavailable to most children.
