[KHTS] – The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is bringing the VIDA Games to Valencia High School on Saturday, May 23.

VIDA, or Vital Intervention and Directional Alternatives, is a 16-week program for at-risk youth aged 11 to 17-year-old which aims to help participants get on the right path to a crime-free future.

The VIDA Games is a competition between the seven Vida sites from Altadena, Century City, East Los Angeles, Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita and Temple.

Game participants will compete in a race, timed obstacle course, close-order drills, a written test and a tug-of-war.

The program, run by 23 deputies, helps participants through tutoring, physical training, counseling and life-lessons.

Many participants are on probation but if they graduate from the program, they can have their records expunged.

About:

The Sheriff’s Youth Foundation of Los Angeles County exists because we believe safe communities don’t just “happen.” We believe it takes vigilance, teamwork and the collective desire of residents to live in a place where they and their children are safe. The Foundation exists because our children are the future, and we want to equip them for success.

Through the Foundation’s various programs, we show them a path to success. The Foundation and its team of deputies, civilian employees and volunteers help at-risk youth throughout the county to grow, be healthy and develop the tools they need to become successful adults.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing Los Angeles County youth with safe facilities, planned programs and the vital tools they need to thrive and succeed in life.