Ali Kemp foundation to present self-defense program Jan. 19 in Lee's Summit

Ali Kemp foundation to present self-defense program Jan. 19 in Lee's Summit

12/26/07 - A program which represents a living legacy in honor of Ali Kemp, a 19-year-old Leawood resident who was murdered while working as a lifeguard at a residential subdivision pool in the summer of 2002, is being offered at a Lee's Summit location on Saturday, Jan. 19.

The program is called T.A.K.E. Defense Training and has as its goal giving women of any age the self-protection skills they need to avoid becoming the victims of violent crime. Participants are encouraged to bring a friend as portions of the curriculum use a partner and mothers and daughters make great teams. Participants will learn basic techniques which could save their lives and thwart an attack.

This program is being presented by T.A.K.E. (The Ali Kemp Educational) Foundation in cooperation with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, City of Leawood Parks and Recreation, the Blue Valley Recreation Commission. The program was designed by JCPRD Corporate and Community Wellness Manager Jill Leiker, a professional self-defense trainer, in consultation with local law enforcement agencies. The idea for the program was originally brought by representatives of the Kemp family to the local recreation agencies.

This two-hour program is free, but advanced registration is required and enrollment is limited to 100 people per class. The program will be offered at 10 a.m. the Legacy Park Community Center, 901 N.E. Bluestem Drive, Lee's Summit. To register, call (816) 969-1550 or (816) 969-1500. Search for the keyword "self defense" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com