Philadelphia organizations devoted to youth development and violence prevention through sports and recreation are getting a financial boost from the city.
The city’s $6.37 billion budget, passed last summer, includes a $3 million investment in these programs. On Monday, Mayor Cherelle Parker and others detailed how some of this funding is being allocated.
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More than $300,000 is being allocated to travel expenses for youth football and cheerleader teams as they compete in national tournaments that begin this week. The funds are meant to reduce the financial burden on the parents and caregivers of participating children.
More than $250,000 is being spent on new equipment for Parks & Recreation centers, which city officials say is needed for staffers and community members to run programs. Another $450,000 is being directed to the Philadelphia Youth Sports Fund, which provides sports organizations with grants for equipment, coaching and other financial needs.
Nine organizations that support 28 teams will benefit from the funding, including the Blackhawks Athletic Club, which has three cheer teams and six football teams, and the Oak Lane Lady Wildcats, which has five cheer teams.
The city has not detailed specifics on how the remaining funds will be spent.
Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson said the funding is about more than sports and athletics.
“It is an investment in our children — it’s about allowing opportunities for life lessons to be learned,” Slawson said in a statement. “To teach our youth about defeat and strength, teamwork, conflict resolution, disappointment, stick-to-itiveness — all lessons of resiliency they will carry for a lifetime.”
Parker said the investment was a major priority in her budget.
“Philadelphia, we are responsible for ensuring our children are equipped with the tools necessary for success,” Parker said. “It is up to us to make sure our children are surrounded by positive mentors, coaches, and leaders that will aid positive development because, as we all know, it takes a village.”
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