GARY – A Gary woman has received the Inspire Award for her effort at helping inner city youth realize their potential and understand the importance of education, hard work, self respects and teamwork.
The Inspire Award was created to celebrate the efforts of seven individuals and one organization for mentoring.
Toi Baylor started the Baylor Youth Foundation in 2001. The success of her basketball program has helped more than 100 children receive scholarships, including dozens who have gone on to play basketball in college.
Baylor also spends her days and nights teaching boys and girls about basketball, but has spent the better part of the last decade as an athletic teacher.
She received the Athletic Mentor Inspire Award in Indianapolis in February.
“What she is doing for this area is nothing short of a miracle for these children,” said Jason Sands, director of sports development for the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, who nominated Baylor.
The Baylor Youth Foundation will be feature on the ABC television program “Secret Millionaire,” on March 20.
