Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, and DYCD Commissioner Keith Howard announced $4.2 million in state grants to support youth team sports across New York City, prioritizing underserved neighborhoods. This initiative, part of the “Summer of Possibility” and “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaigns, aims to encourage outdoor activities and provide safe spaces for youth to develop teamwork and leadership skills. The funding will support 41 community-based organizations, focusing on inclusivity for girls, non-binary youth, and those with special need
– New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard today announced $4.2 million in state grants to provide youth team sports programming, sports education, and athletic equipment upgrades across the city. Approximately $2.3 million has already been distributed, and another $1.9 million is being allocated for this summer to support 41 additional community-based organizations, most of them without existing contracts with the city. The funding prioritizes historically underserved neighborhoods, including the six priority New York City Police Department (NYPD) precincts identified in “A Blueprint for Community Safety,” a forward-thinking roadmap with upstream solutions to address gun violence throughout the five boroughs. Among the providers, 17 will provide girls team sports, five target young people who identify as non-binary, and 19 support youth with special needs. Today’s announcement is part of the administration’s “Summer of Possibility,” a celebration of New York City’s unrivaled summer offerings at a time when crime is down, jobs are up, and the city is more livable than when the Adams administration came into office.
“Sports are more than just a fun activity; they provide a safe space for our young people during the summer days to learn about teamwork, collaboration, and leadership,” said Mayor Adams. “Thanks to this multi-million-dollar state grant, neighborhoods most in need of support will be first in line for critical investments to more than 40 local community-based organizations. This summer, I’m wishing our future all-stars and champions good luck, and may the best team win!”
“We’re making it easier for our young people to put down their phones and stay active through youth team sports across New York City,” said Governor Hochul. “With the support of Mayor Adams, I’m looking forward to seeing more young New Yorkers get offline, get outside, and enjoy all the city has to offer this summer.”
“Youth sports serve more than one purpose: they help our kids stay active and healthy, and provide them with opportunities to develop social skills and work as part of a team with their peers. All our young New Yorkers deserve an opportunity to take to the field, court, or pool to learn some new skills, while also having fun,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “These new grants at DYCD will serve as a perfect complement to our city’s existing youth development offerings, like Summer Rising, Summer Youth Employment Program, and Saturday Night Lights.”
“Playing tournament basketball with my older brother Jimmie Jr. while growing up in the Bronx and during college taught me the value of team sports that goes well beyond the court. I learned about discipline, working with others, self-confidence, and becoming a leader,” said DYCD Commissioner Howard. “DYCD is proud to have helped secure these state grants for our community-based partners throughout the five boroughs and give young people their ‘Summer of Possibility.’ I join Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness, and Recreation Director Jasmine Ray, Senator Jamaal Bailey, and our 41 providers in saying: Go teams!”
“Among the best tools we have to combat violence in New York City is our ability to engage young people in recreational activities, particularly during the hot summer months when we have historically seen increases in crime,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “This is one of the many ways the men and women of the NYPD work every day to keep our communities safe and improve quality of life in every neighborhood, in every borough.”
“As someone who has provided sports activation in our public parks for over 15 years, I have experienced firsthand the vital role that funding plays in the sustainability and growth of community-based organizations,” said New York City Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness, and Recreation Director Jasmine Ray. “I was fortunate to have the support of the City Council via the discretionary funding initiative, which was essential to the survival and success of my organization. This support enabled me to serve over 2,600 young people during my tenure as CEO of The United States Wallball Association. Plainly speaking, when we invest in play, we shape our future. Sports serve as a crime prevention tool, and foster community and teamwork. We all know the benefits, and it is time we allocated more resources to that effect. This investment by Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, and DYCD underscores our administration’s commitment to keeping young people — especially those in high-risk communities — active, healthy, and positively engaged during a critical period in their lives. I am extremely proud to stand with and support the efforts of our administration in bolstering local community-based organizations. Bravo!”
“Ensuring that all young people, regardless of their abilities, have access to team sports and recreational activities is a part of our commitment to inclusivity. These grants will not only provide essential resources, but also foster a sense of belonging and empowerment for youth with disabilities across the city,” said New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Commissioner Christina Curry. “By supporting team sports for youth with disabilities, we are championing their right to participate, thrive, and enjoy the full spectrum of summer offerings in New York City.”
“Team sports are vital in empowering young people to stay active, make meaningful connections, and develop transformative leadership skills,” said New York City Chief Equity Officer and Mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice Commissioner Sideya Sherman. “We are thrilled that this investment in sports and recreation programming will immediately impact young people this summer. By prioritizing communities that have been historically under-resourced and marginalized, we can ensure that more young people, regardless of their identity or zip code, can enjoy active, joyful summers filled with possibilities.”
“Sports are an effective tool for engaging young people in positive social activities that enhance their growth and development,” said New York State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden. “These youth sports grants help ensure that all youth have access to programs that encourage healthy interactions and teamwork, as well as build emotional and physical health. I am so pleased that New York City is engaging community-based partners to support the youth sports initiative.”
“I have great appreciation for the dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment that Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and the DYCD team puts into supporting and nurturing our youth,” said New York State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. “I am passionate about providing children and young adults the opportunity to participate in sports — especially without financial strain. I am proud to have been the original bill sponsor of a program that has been placed in our state’s budget, and for the second year, contributing to the allocation of $10 million for a statewide Youth Sports Grant program. I am thrilled about the implementation of the Youth Team Sports, which will make great strides in providing necessary support. Youth sports are more than athletic competition — they teach teamwork and provide a roadmap in life on how to accomplish more together as life is the ultimate team sport. I’m glad to have played a role in getting more of our young people prepared for the future by way of excellence in youth team sports.”
The grants announced today were created under the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to provide awards to support team sports programs for underserved young people, under 18 years old, in:
- Historically under-resourced communities.
- Neighborhoods that experience higher rates of crime and violence and have low-performing schools.
- Communities with high rates of public housing and/or family homelessness.
- Marginalized communities or groups with higher barriers to participation in team sports (e.g., youth with disabilities, girls, transgender/gender non-binary youth, and youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning).
The full list of new summer programming can be viewed online.
From the largest-ever summer streets and open restaurants programs to expanded Summer Rising hours, new cooling centers, and investments in pools across the city, the Adams administration is continuing to ensure that there has never been a better time to enjoy summer in New York City. New Yorkers can visit the Summer of Possibility website for more information on free cultural and parks events, open beaches and pools, as well as hiring halls, apprenticeships, volunteer opportunities, and more.
More than 500,000 people walked, ran, cycled, or played on Summer Streets last year, in the program’s first year operating in all five boroughs. This year’s program will represent the most ambitious version of Summer Streets since its launch in 2008 and brings a continued focus on spreading programming out equitably throughout the city. Summer Streets will return for five Saturdays, from July 27 through August 24. Car-free routes remain the same for the five boroughs — with the exception of a new route launching on Staten Island. More details on each route can be found online.
Last month, Mayor Adams and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner (DCLA) Laurie Cumbo highlighted an array of free events, festivals, performances, and other cultural programming available to New Yorkers as the weather continues to warm up. Much of this cultural programming is financially supported by the City of New York to be free, open, and accessible to all New Yorkers and visitors.
“HealthJox is proud to be a recipient of the Neighborhood Team Youth Sports Grant, as this will help us continue the work that we’ve been doing in the community: making sure that our NYC youth stay active, receive the best health information, improve their mental health, and continue on the proper trajectory to achieve their purpose in this life,” said Dewry DuRoi Bradford, founder, HealthJox LLC.
“Rosedale Jets Football and Cheer Program is immensely grateful for the leadership of Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development. This grant will enable our program to provide both football and cheer camp for so many deserving and worthy young people in Southeast Queens,” said Jacques M. Léandre, Esq., president, Rosedale Jets Football Association. “The participants will gain team building skills, learn the fundamentals of football and cheerleading techniques, and develop communication skills through the sports of football and cheer.”
“As an Olympic athlete and Brooklyn native, I know sports are a powerful, multi-dimensional solution to address many of our city’s challenges. Not only do youth sports programs help combat childhood obesity, but high-dosage sports programs support mental well-being, enhance academic outcomes, provide learning environments, and teach important leadership and life skills,” said Nzingha Prescod, founder and executive director, The Prescod Institute for Sport, Teamwork, and Education. “Unfortunately, organized sports are expensive and exclude the populations that need them the most. We are proud to give underrepresented youth in New York City opportunities through the sport of fencing, and are excited to receive this funding to continue this important work.”
July 12, 2024 New York NY
Sources: Midtown Tribune news, NYC.gov
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