INDIANAPOLIS -- Over the past 10 years, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Police Athletic League has helped shape the life of Tyeon White.
White, 16, plays football, basketball and baseball at the PAL Club.
"It gives you something to look forward to the next day," White said. "It gives you something to work for and something you can enjoy and you don't have to worry about."
He's sharing his story in hopes of helping other kids.
"It's one thing to hear that from an adult or from an police officer or an adult, but it is a completely different thing when you hear that from a teenager," IMPD Officer Jim Gillespie said.
Designed to get local kids to focus on sports and play and help them avoid the dangers of life on the streets.
"It has influenced me to stay out of trouble, to keep my grades up and [know that] school is important" the Shortridge High School student said. "They kept my head up."
White's family is thankful for the help from the men and women in blue.
"I love it, I love it," Sylvia Smith, Tyeon's grandmother, said. "It has Tyeon really focused. He is a hard worker. He's an honor roll student."
For more information on the PAL Club, call 317-327-3187 or email Colleen.devore@indy.gov.
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