New program offers training for young BIPOC athletes in Hamilton
CBC
Growing up in downtown Hamilton, Vincent Kuber says there was a lack of training and other opportunities for young Black athletes.
"I grew up with so many athletes where, if they were given the opportunity to go further with it after high school, I feel like they would have been very successful … They [would have received] an opportunity for post-secondary scholarships and education as well," Kuber told CBC Hamilton.
"Now as an adult having two kids, living life and moving back to the same area that I grew up in, nothing's changed. It's just getting worse … with the increased level of racism everywhere in the area as well, with graffiti and profanity in parks with kids."
Kuber, who is now 39, is on a quest for change. He is partnering with Kiwanis BGC Hamilton to launch an athletic development program for high school athletes who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour (BIPOC).
Kuber — who operates Steel Town Athletic Club (STAC) — is a personal trainer and run coach, training runners for ultramarathons such as 5K, 10K and 21K, and obstacle-course racing.
He said STAC's new Athletic Development Program is for BIPOC youth from14 to 18 years old.
"I want kids to be busy doing something, at least have a training program," Kuber said.