Black Dolphins: New youth diving program

BY DEBORAH RIDER ALLEN - Special Correspondent
Published: July 28, 2008

When Clifton Hicks joined the Black Dolphin Dive Club and practiced his water skills at the Calhoun Community Center pool in Gilpin Court, he often had an audience of young admirers. Now with the help of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority Youth Sports and Fine Arts Academy, a local dive shop and other club members, the Black Dolphin Dive Club has a youth program.

“My club helps with financial support and we mentor them and help them with water skills,” says Hicks, who is president of the 12-member adult club. This year’s youth program has six members who practice once a month. “Our home base is Gilpin Court but weather permitting we are out at Lake Rollins. We also take a youth trip and a club trip every year.”

Last year the Black Dolphin Dive Club sponsored one youth member who went to Curacao in the Caribbean for a Youth Summit. This August they will sponsor a youth trip to Connecticut where members will participate in a marine science project. Besides mentoring and the fun of diving, Hicks says, the program opens their eyes to other avenues and other careers.