EMPOWER YOUTH CORP

Our Stories:

   Julius Mutekanga is a 2012 Ugandan Olympic athlete. Julius grew up in Fort Portal, Uganda, where he took up running: the only sport he could participate in at no cost his family. So, at seven years old, he began to run. He continued to run until high school, and in 2007, was selected to represent Uganda at the World University Games in Thailand, Bangkok. He even reached the semifinals in the 400 and 800 meters run. After that, many United States universities offered him athletic scholarships, permitting him to continue my education in the United States. In January of 2008,  he arrived at Long Island University, in Brooklyn, New York, and in 2010, and graduated with his Bachelor’s in Social Work. In Uganda, where he am from, opportunities and resources are severely limited, and this hinders many from reaching their full potential. He feel like as if he earned this degree for everyone back home who could not.

      In 2011, he decided to train for the Olympics instead of going to graduate school. Due to perseverance, education, and support from the Central Park Running Club, he qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.  He found himself competing against world-class athletes.  He was inspired by meeting Olympians in track and field, soccer, basketball, tennis, golf, and swimming – he can go on and on.  He reached the Olympics with hard work, discipline, and personal sacrifice, and  now he wants to inspire others. So, he launched an initiative to maximize the opportunity for underprivileged youth through sports and athletic programming.

Our Impacts:

    Since launching the initiative, three boys have earned scholarships to play for high school soccer teams, I’ve seen an increase in girls’ participation in running and soccer in my hometown. Families and communities are drawn to the events in support of the participating youth. Also, many of the boys have gained self-confidence, which propels them to succeed academically and socially.  We continue to attract many idle youth who want to improve their lives. I welcome all who will commit to making a difference in their lives and in the lives of those around them.