Youth Across Maryland Compete in CHAMPS Olympics at Cheltenham Youth Detention Center

Young people from Maryland Department of Juvenile Services’ facilities across the state gathered at the Cheltenham Youth Detention Center in Prince George’s County for their own Olympics-style competition, competing for gold, silver and bronze medals in a range of events. Changing Habits And Making Progressive Strides (CHAMPS) is a rewards-based incentive program for youth who are doing well at their detention or residential facility.

The youth had the unique opportunity to demonstrate their athleticism in the 400-meter and 100-meter races, relay races, the standing broad jump and football throw on a hot summer day.

DJS staff enthusiastically cheered on the teams.

“Never give up and always do your best,” said Antonio Jones, who coaches the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center (BCJJC) team, winning four of the competition’s events.

“I encourage the kids to give everything they have for a successful outcome,’ Brittany Wiseman, CYDC’s coach, said. “It’s great to see they do that well, especially when some of them are new to these events.”

Qudaisa Sowell, the Western Maryland Children’s Center Coach, shared that even though the girls did not have that much time to prepare they still competed.

“Showing up was the most important part,” Sowell said.

DJS youth are involved in a variety of activities throughout the year, including art contests, recreational and sporting events, STEM, oratoricals, and many other competitions provided through CHAMPS. These extracurricular activities encourage positive changes in the young people in DJS’ care and are part of the Department’s year-round programming. This is an opportunity for the youth to learn new skills in a variety of environments and instill healthy habits within the agency’s positive youth development framework.