Linden resident Mike Maienbrook didn’t always work in Flint, but now he honestly can’t imagine working anywhere else. The Manager of Community and Physical Activity for Flint Community Schools was originally from Northwest Indiana. He moved to the Flint area after he graduated from Ball State University for the opportunity to re-engage Flint Community Schools with physical education.
“Mike was instrumental in relaunching the Flint Community Sports Program, which is now known as Crim Sports, back in 2015. He has poured tremendous service into that effort, with a great desire to continue to grow youth sports, including increased participation in the Greater Flint Olympian Games as well as through the high school level. We are very fortunate to have him.” shared Crim Sports Program Manager, Chris Collins.
Mike shared how excited he was to have the opportunity to re-engage the Flint Community Schools with physical activity right after graduating from college in 1999. “I began my career as the “hub” for Flint community physical education. I would go out and train each school staff member in the Flint community. We are now in all Flint elementary schools – which really demonstrates the growth the program has seen and is a testament to the dedication our community has to ensure our community is healthy. I taught for 16 years and then in 2015, when the Flint Community Education Initiative was formed, I served in the capacity of director of community athletics for five years.” Mike said.
Mike has been not only a physical education teacher with Flint Community Schools but also was the director of physical activities and athletics as well as a liaison to the Crim Fitness Foundation. With a commitment to helping give kids a global experience through athletics, Mike also is the Co-Chairman of the Greater Flint Olympian Games and CANUSA Games.
The Greater Flint Olympian Games, held every summer, are a way for different school systems to play against each other. The CANUSA Games allow for athletes from the Greater Flint Olympian Games to compete against some of the best Canadian athletes. Although this year was virtual, it’s still been both competitive and friendship-producing for both the Canadian and American participants.
“My favorite part of being able to teach and coach sports is seeing the children’s eyes light up when they learn a new skill through a sport. You use teaching techniques to build the games so that everyone gets joy out of the game. You build skills to get them to participate. When the child gets it, there is an instant light or aura given off. It’s the joy in the children that I love. What keeps me going is putting programs together to reach as many kids as possible.” Mike shared.
The fact that sports allow us to travel and experience different things is what keeps Mike committed to ensuring everyone has access to these programs. One of the best things about sports is the life lessons it teaches children in a controlled environment. Sports allow for many learning opportunities and give our youth the ability to make mistakes in a controlled setting and learn life lessons along the way. This experience at problem-solving helps prepare them for the real world. When they are met with a difficult situation, they will better know how to handle it through these lessons in sports.
Mike loves being active whenever he can. If he does have free time, you can find him playing a multitude of sports including basketball and golf, essentially any sport with the kids. He golfs weekly with his wife and friends and also enjoys hunting and ultimate frisbee.
We are grateful for Mike’s dedication to keeping our community active and involved in sports. His passion for sports benefits the entire community.
