Donations from Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox allowed for creation of citywide tournament
CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–July 5, 2016. As part of an effort to provide Chicago children with more opportunities to participate in positive and productive activities during the summer, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Park District today announced the second annual citywide youth baseball and softball tournament will take place at the UIC Curtis Granderson Stadium on August 10-14. The tournament is made possible through generous donations made by the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs.
“The City of Chicago stands behind our children, and I am so proud that our baseball teams are such strong partners in our work to keep youth safe, engaged and active this summer,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Baseball and softball give kids a foundation of sportsmanship, teamwork and camaraderie that will serve them on and off the field. Tournaments like this along with capital investments we’ve made in our parks improve the quality of life for all Chicagoans and allow our communities to thrive.”
Registration for the tournament is now open, and teams from every neighborhood in Chicago are encouraged to sign up. First round match-ups will provide opportunities for leagues from throughout the city to compete, with a post-game meal provided to strengthen relationships between kids and communities. Championship games will be held August 14.
The tournament stems from a five-year commitment made in 2014 by the Cubs and White Sox, in partnership with the Chicago Parks Foundation, to expand baseball and softball programming including clinics, camps and trainings for coaches. Currently, more than 50,000 youth in Chicago participate in baseball and softball annually at more than 80 Chicago Park District parks.
“The Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs have stepped up for youth in Chicago by making this tournament possible,” said Michael P. Kelly, Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO. “These programming investments and capital improvements are opening doors for youth baseball and softball participation across the city.”
“From improving local baseball and softball fields to providing quality programming, the Cubs are committed to helping more kids experience the joys of our sport while cultivating positive connections and championship attitudes,” said Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts. “We are happy to team up with the City of Chicago and the White Sox as we support the next generation of All-Stars. We look forward to watching Chicago’s kids continue to develop their skills and our community demonstrate its love of America’s pastime through this annual tournament.”
“Baseball has long been rooted in the legacy of Chicago,” said White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. “The Chicago White Sox are dedicated to creating opportunities to get involved in the game of baseball – whether it’s giving inner-city youth the chance to play through our Inner City Youth Baseball (ICYB), Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) and Amateur City Elite (ACE) programs or simply enjoying a hot dog and game at the ballpark with your family. We are proud to team up with the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Cubs to bring baseball to youth throughout the city and to continue the story of baseball in Chicago for future generations of fans.”
Registration is limited to one team per league and must be received by July 29. Softball players must be 14 years old or under. Baseball players must be 12 years old or under. To register, click here.
In its inaugural year, over 500 softball and baseball players participated in the tournament from 39 teams.
Mayor Emanuel previously announced $17 million in capital improvements to support youth baseball and softball, featuring artificial turf fields at Southwest Elementary School, Clark Park, Amundsen Park, Kelly Park, Columbus Park, Palmer Park, Tuley Park and Jackie Robinson Park.
For more information, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312.742.PLAY, 312.747.2001 (TTY).
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The Chicago Park District is the 2014 Gold Medal Award winner, recognized for excellence in park and recreation management across the nation. For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 8,300 acres of parkland, 585 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 12 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 nature areas, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312.742.PLAY or 312.747.2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling, 312.742.PLAY.
Source: http://www.cityofchicago.org
