The Peak Season of Play, Youth Sports Day, and an Exciting New Program From Fight For Children!

When you think about the word “play,” what comes to mind? You probably associate play with happiness, joy, and friendship and undoubtedly when you think about play, you think about children and childhood. That’s what play is all about – it's where a child can have fun, learn, and make connections.. Play is a critical part of every child’s development ?and that is why Fight For Children works to provide young people with opportunities for play in supportive, nurturing environments where they can learn and grow. We are honored to take on this challenge alongside the ?34 nonprofit partners that benefit from grants and capacity building as members of our Youth Development Institute.

Summer is peak season for play as our members operate a wide range of programming while Fight For Children gears up for its 2nd Annual Youth Sports Day on August 24th at The Fields at RFK. As such, it is the perfect time to present the upcoming launch of our Early Access to Sports (EATS) program. The goal of EATS is right in the name! The program will provide early elementary students with opportunities to sample the vast range of sports offered by our Youth Development Institute members. And the best part? By bringing members to schools and bringing students to and from member programming sites, EATS will relieve families of the transportation obstacles that readily prevent students, especially young students, from experiencing life-changing sports-based youth development programs. And for Institute members participating in EATS, access to a new funnel of young participants, many of which will undoubtedly find a special connection with a program and continue their sports and youth development journey with that organization. Beneficial to young students, their families, and Institute members, EATS is sure to be a home run, hole-in-one, ace, touchdown, and more!

The EATS pilot project will launch this upcoming Fall and serve a small cohort of young students at Garfield Elementary in Ward 8, with hopes of gradual expansion.Participant students will be accompanied at all times by an EATS mentor, who will provide care and guidance for the young students, while supporting the staff of participating programs.If you know someone who may be interested in becoming a paid mentor, feel free to send along the EATS Mentor Interest Form.

Please stay cool and keep playing as Summer 2024 continues to fly by! Don't forget to spread the word and register today for our upcoming Fight For Children Youth Sports Day. We're just one month away from the big day and can't wait to see you and your family there. We have many great surprises in store for everyone!

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