here kids can have racial challenges or black
on black crimes, so you have to have a strong
mentality where anything you encounter on the
streets will not bother you and you can turn away.”
>
space that houses a workout room for rowing
ergometers and cardio equipment, a conference
area for seminars and revenue generating speaking
engagements, and a computer lab for homework
and tutoring opportunities.
© Dwayne Adams, Breaking Barriers
Helping kids turn from possible violence has
earned the 50-year-old some local attention. His
local district recently named him Humanitarian of
the Year, and he was honoured at the State Capital
this January when the House of Representatives
unanimously passed a Resolution to support the
Breaking Barriers programme.
Adams’ focus remains on building a bigger
vision – a future boathouse, a pool, a gym, with
a community model for expansion to other cities.
Local partners in Philadelphia, including the US
Army, have helped the programme double its
numbers in four years and establish its own office
Indoor tank training in Delaware
(WYRA).
“They’re prepared for the world,” says Adams of his
hopes for his programme protégés. “Everything
at Breaking Barriers is set up for that, through the
sport of rowing.”
Adams oozes with enthusiasm as he shares a recent
success story about ‘Emmanuel’ whose teachers
wrote a letter to Breaking Barriers expounding upon
how they’ve seen his grades excel and his ability
to help other people grow since he’s been rowing.
“The programme works,” says Adams emphatically.
So does Adams’ vision. Find out more on Breaking
Barriers at www.breakingbarriers05.org
;
■ Lisa Lynam
© Dwayne Adams, Breaking Barriers
© Dwayne Adams, Breaking Barriers
