Summer Challenge Starts June 8 at S.C. State University

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WOLO) – AMIkids Inc., a nationally-recognized, nonprofit organization that transforms troubled youth into responsible members of our communities, will hold its annual AMIkids Summer Challenge from June 8-11, 2015 at South Carolina State University at 300 College Street NE, Orangeburg, SC 29115. This incredibly inspiring event will give over 200 AMIkids student participants from over seven states across the country the opportunity to compete in a variety of competitive sporting and academic events that will motivate and encourage them to strive for ongoing success, not only here, but throughout their young lives. Heyward Golden, former football standout at SC State and current Vice President at AMIkids, thinks that bringing kids who are overcoming a troubled past to a positive college environment opens their minds to what is possible if they discover and strive for their potential. “SC State was critical for my development, not only as a football player, but as a person,” said Golden. “The education and guidance I gained here was integral to my success in my career, and now I am blessed to be able to work with kids who need guidance to become great people and be able to bring them to SC State to get a feel for a real college experience.” “Our kids have great potential within them, and our Summer Challenge event allows them to explore that potential, both athletically and academically,” added Golden. There to speak to the kids will be a SC State recruiter to discuss academic possibilities and what it takes to pursue a college degree. Also on hand will be track and football coaches to watch the kids perform a variety of activities. “Our Summer Challenge event allows our kids to put aside their personal trials and life struggles to not only have fun, but learn and develop through academic and athletic events, participating as individuals and teams,” said Golden. “From teamwork, camaraderie, trust, positive support, passion, and most of all, the reward for positive behavior and doing things the right way, our kids come to understand that hard work and dedication makes them better people and develops positive lives.”