Rep. Marvin L. Abney recently presented the RhodySquash organization with a legislative grant of $2,000 to be used for new equipment for the program that caters to underprivileged youth of Newport.

“The RhodySquash program is an invaluable resource to the youth of Newport and it is my pleasure to support this most worthy program,” said Representative Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown). “Through academics, community service and the team building exercises of the squash court, RhodySquash is the type of program that all of Rhode Island’s kids could use to better themselves and their communities.”

RhodySquash provides an opportunity for the underprivileged youth of Newport to achieve their personal best through the integration of academics, community service and mentorship anchored by the sport of squash and the objective of self-actualization. The academic program, with the help of staff and volunteer tutors and educators, provides students with a quiet and consistent location to regularly complete daily homework assignments and projects as well as an area to prepare for examinations. Community Service is also an integral part of the RhodySquash program. Participants of RhodySquash are required to engage in different service projects throughout the local community.

Ryan Belmore is the Owner and Publisher of What'sUpNewp. Although not the founder or original owner, Belmore has been with What'sUpNewp since its early beginnings in 2012.

Belmore was born in Providence, Rhode Island; grew up and graduated high school in Coventry, Rhode Island; and lived in Newport, Rhode Island for more than ten years. He currently serves as Vice President of the Board Of Directors for Fort Adams Trust and on the Board of Directors for Potter League For Animals.

He and his wife, Jen, as well as their two dogs (Aero and June), recently moved to Alexandria, Virginia. Belmore travels back and forth to Newport every couple of weeks to cover events, work on story ideas, to meet with What'sUpNewp's on-the-ground contributors, to visit friends, and to eat as much seafood as possible.

Belmore is a member of Local Independent Online News Publishers, Society of Professional Journalists, and the North American Snowsports Journalists Association.