The winner’s board in the handball viewing area at the East Shore Y serves as a family tree for the handball program, dating back over 40 years. The name “John Reiersen” appears on the board a half dozen times. John’s 22-year old son, Andy, continues the family tradition and is now an avid handball player.
But Andy has followed in his dad’s footsteps in an even more significant way. Andy, like his dad, now serves as a mentor with the Hope in Handball program, which seeks to mentor at risk kids while teaching them new skills and character development.
Andy, whose professional background is in graphic and website design, is working with the kids in the program to develop a Hope in Handball presence on the internet.
Who knows if Andy’s name will appear on the handball winners board, but his name will certainly be etched in the hearts of the kids he mentors.
Mentors and kids gather at the handball courts at the East Shore Y on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 PM. The program targets 8 – 18 year old youth and teens and is free to those who qualify.
