BENTONVILLE -- Benton County sheriff's deputies and juvenile justice officials are teaming with fitness experts to mentor youths in the county.
The fitness and mentoring program is called THOR, which stands for training, health, opportunity and responsibility, Sheriff Shawn Holloway said.
The judge can give the youths "a clean slate" if they successfully complete the program, giving them a chance to turn their lives around, Holloway said.
Circuit Judge Tom Smith presides over juvenile court in Benton County. Thirteen youths ranging from 14 to 17 years old have volunteered to participate in the program.
Smith said some of the teens will be released from probation if they successfully complete the program. All the teens will get credit for their community service and fines upon completion, Smith said.
Holloway and some of his deputies are assisting with the program.
"I think that we can give a skill set that these young men can carry throughout their lives," Holloway said. "Hopefully, we make a difference in their lives."
The first class is made up of only boys, and Smith said the goal is to include girls in the next class.
Classes began earlier this month. The parents also meet for skills training with members of the juvenile justice team.
Smith said the class will meet twice a week for a few weeks before moving to three times a week.
"I believe it will be successful," Smith said. "It's a way for the kids to be mentored by deputies and trainers while working out."
Lee Kelly and his wife, Jennifer, owners of CrossFit NWA, are serving as coaches.
"You have to give it your all," Lee Kelly told the class at the first meeting. "You have to give it 110 percent. Have fun with it, and it's going to hurt, but you will be pleased by the results at the end of the program."
The classes are held in the gym at the Benton County sheriff's office.
"It will get them off the couch and playing video games," Smith said.
The program will also build relationships by allowing the boys to have interactions with law enforcement in a positive setting, Smith said.
One 15-year-old boy said he chose the program instead of community service.
"I saw a chance for me to get fit," he said. "I would much rather be here than out picking up trash."
Smith said he's excited the boys volunteered for the program instead of being ordered to participate.
Mike Rush with Rush Running Co. donated a pair of tennis shoes to each boy. Rush also will serve as a coach for the running portion of the program.
Smith said he hopes the boys also learn skills that will help them have successful lives. He believes the program could be a model for other sheriff's offices and juvenile courts.
"It's important that we help these kids right now," he said. "If we don't help them now, then the next level is the adult system, and no one wants that."
Metro on 08/21/2017