Homeless Athletics

The winners received trophies, but have no homes to display them. While street people cheered and unfurled banners, homeless men and women from 15 municipal shelters competed against each other in a unique track meet in New York City on Wednesday. The events ranged from the 100-meter relay to the one-mile run, with Mayor Edward I. Koch presenting prizes to the most valuable athletes.

It sounds like a Disney film already: homeless cricket players from Los Angeles coaching Compton gangsters for the big match against a team from Beverly Hills. But this is a true story. And never mind the movie deal--it's still under negotiation. Led by veteran activist and cricket player Ted Hayes, a group of L.A.-based homeless men is spreading the gospel of cricket--with its precepts of respect and good sportsmanship--to a band of well-meaning but troubled youngsters from Compton.

It sounds like a Disney film already: homeless cricket players from Los Angeles coaching Compton gangsters for the big match against a team from Beverly Hills. But this is a true story. And never mind the movie deal--it's still under negotiation. Led by veteran activist and cricket player Ted Hayes, a group of L.A.-based homeless men is spreading the gospel of cricket--with its precepts of respect and good sportsmanship--to a band of well-meaning but troubled youngsters from Compton.

The winners received trophies, but have no homes to display them. While street people cheered and unfurled banners, homeless men and women from 15 municipal shelters competed against each other in a unique track meet in New York City on Wednesday. The events ranged from the 100-meter relay to the one-mile run, with Mayor Edward I. Koch presenting prizes to the most valuable athletes.