Work to Ride facts for kids
Work to Ride (WTR) is a special program in America. It helps young people aged 7 to 19 from cities. It gives them fun activities like learning about horses, playing horse sports like Polo, and getting help with their education.
The program started in 1994. It was founded by Lezlie Hiner. Work to Ride wants to inspire young people from the city who might not have many chances. It does this through the exciting sport of polo. Kids learn to work hard by taking care of horses and the stable every day. This teaches them that hard work earns rewards. The "Family" polo team competes against other school polo teams. This helps the kids learn about teamwork and never giving up.
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What is Work to Ride?
Work to Ride is based at Chamounix Stables. This stable is in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. It gives young people from the city a chance to be around animals and nature.
How to Join Work to Ride
Kids and teens who want to join must agree to be part of the program for at least one year. They are encouraged to stay with the program until they finish high school.
When young people graduate from Work to Ride, they get help getting into college. Some even come back to Chamounix. They become mentors to help guide newer kids in the program.
Work to Ride's Big Wins
In 2011, Work to Ride made history! Their team became the first team made up of all Black players to win a big national polo championship for schools. The players on this winning team were Kareem Rosser, Daymar Rosser, and Brandon Rease.
Kareem Rosser wrote a book in 2021 called Crossing the Line. In his book, he shared his own experiences while he was in Work to Ride. The Work to Ride team won the national championship again in 2012.
Recognition and Support
Work to Ride has become famous across the country. It has even received money and support from Polo Ralph Lauren.
In 2016, Lezlie Hiner won a special award. The United States Polo Association gave her the "Woman of the Year" award. This was to thank her for all her great work helping the sport of polo through Work to Ride.
