NEWS RELEASE
Park University and the University's Department of Athletic Training will host The Ali Kemp Educational (T.A.K.E.) Foundation defense training course on Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to noon, inside the east dome of Breckon Sports Center on the University's Parkville Campus. The event is free and open to all female members of the community age 12 and older, though donations will be accepted for the T.A.K.E. Foundation.
During the two-hour session, attendees will learn about the importance of personal safety from an expert who will share insightful information about criminal behavior and the many ways criminals choose their victims, as well as ways to be more aware of the environment to prevent becoming a victim of an attack. The class will also focus on de-escalation techniques and simple, but effective, moves you can do to get away and make it to a safe location if attacked. In addition, real-life stories of people who have told their shocking experiences of attacks and what can be done to help avoid a similar fate will be shared.
T.A.K.E. Foundation was established in 2005 by the family of Ali Kemp, in partnership with the Johnson County (Kan.) Park and Recreation District and in cooperation with the Blue Valley (Kan.) Recreation Commission and the Leawood (Kan.) Parks and Recreation Department. Kemp, a 19-year-old student at Kansas State University, was murdered in June 2002 while working at a neighborhood swimming pool. More than 50,000 girls and women have been trained with free hands-on self-defense training via the Foundation across the country.
Attendees should wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and plan to come with a friend or relative, if possible, as portions of the class will include working with a partner. To register for Park University's course, visit http://backend.takedefense.org/TAKEDefense/NewRegistration.action?takeDefenseClass.classId=275. The first 150 in attendance will receive a free T-shirt. Attendees can access Breckon Sports Center via the University's 6th Street entrance.
Park University's T.A.K.E. Foundation defense training course is sponsored by the University's Department of Athletic Training, in conjunction with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Northland Bone and Joint, River City T's and The Urgency Room.
For questions or assistance in registering for the class, contact Michelle Forrest, Department of Athletic Training administrative assistant, at michelle.forrest@park.edu or (816) 584-6440.
