{"id":1718,"date":"2021-05-19T13:41:58","date_gmt":"2021-05-19T17:41:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/firstandpen.com\/staging\/5861\/?p=1718"},"modified":"2021-05-22T11:22:52","modified_gmt":"2021-05-22T15:22:52","slug":"lacrosse-is-the-next-big-thing-growing-in-the-bronx","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/firstandpen.com\/staging\/5861\/lacrosse-is-the-next-big-thing-growing-in-the-bronx\/","title":{"rendered":"Lacrosse Is The Next Big Thing Growing In The Bronx"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Bronx<\/a> is known for things like hip hop and basketball. But in the last few years, a new activity has begun to take hold in the borough. The sport of lacrosse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, we know that raised a few eyebrows but it’s true. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2015, special education teacher Dan Leventhal wanted to find a way to connect with his students and the South Bronx community where he taught. He was a player on the Tufts lacrosse team and won the DIII National Championship in 2014, so he decided to share his passion for lacrosse with his seventh grade class at Highbridge Green School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2016, he had a team of 30 students. A year later, he officially founded the organization, Bronx Lacrosse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The organization is about much more than lacrosse. It’s improving the lives of students through the life lessons and skills taught by the sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLacrosse is a very nontraditional sport in the south Bronx and can give Bronx students different options and opportunities,\u201d said Leventhal.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The South Bronx is one of the poorest areas in the city and the country. In Districts 1 and 2<\/a>, the median household income is $25,074. But in recent years, neighborhoods such as Mott Haven, Highbridge, and Hunts Point have experienced a wave of gentrification. For the program’s students from these neighborhoods, lacrosse has contributed to the area’s rebirth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through Bronx Lacrosse, students have seen their lives improve. For a borough that ranks last in categories such as health, lacrosse provides much-needed support. <\/p>

\r\n
\r\n