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October 4, 2024
American sports and venue management company, Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), is making a multi-million-dollar investment to provide every child in Washington, D.C. with the opportunity to play and experience the health benefits of sport. The ‘District of Play’ community initiative intends to bridge gaps in sports participation for young people in order to “unite communities and build a brighter future for the city.”
Around 55% of D.C. youth aged 6-17 played on a sports team or took sports lessons in 2020 and 2021. However, as in many cities, there are many barriers to sports participation, including transportation, “pay-to-play” structures and structural inequities. District of Play will focus on children who are often limited due to lack of access or resources for inclusive, safe play environments. For example, research shows that young people who are Black (46%) played sports far less than those who are White (76%) and girls (50%) played less than boys (60%) across D.C.
Through District of Play, MSE will improve and expand access to existing youth sports infrastructure. The initiative will partner with existing community leaders, coaches and local organizations to provide them with funding, scholarships and youth-focused life skills support. It will also introduce new programs specifically designed to reach those most often left on the sidelines.
“Sports have the power to inspire, build resilience and foster a sense of community, and District of Play is our effort to ensure that every child in Washington, D.C., has access to these opportunities and to contribute to a legacy of long-term health for our city,” said Ted Leonsis, founder and CEO of MSE.
The company-wide initiative is also engaging local teams. On September 29, Washington Wizards Head Coach Brian Keefe, alongside men’s basketball head coaches from American University, Howard University and Georgetown University hosted a free, all-levels-welcome Wizards Coaches Workshop at Entertainment & Sports Arena in the District’s Ward 8. And the Washington Capitals partnered with D.C.’s Department of Parks and Recreation to refurbish the Watkins Recreation Center Street Hockey Rink.
The initiative will align with three broad areas of work:
- Providing Safe Play Spaces: MSE will refurbish public courts and rinks each year and enhance local sports infrastructure. It will also build playgrounds and upgrade existing venues to host youth events. This includes providing nearly 30,000 NBA regulation-sized basketballs to school children throughout the District.
- Empowering Players: MSE will also expand inclusive programming through sports clinics and ensure all spaces are accessible for kids with disabilities. Children will receive sports equipment, uniforms and scholarships to ensure they can participate despite financial limitations. Additionally, the company will launch a girls’ empowerment program focused on financial literacy, mental health, physical health and sports.
- Engaging Parents, Coaches and the Community: MSE will fund professional development for coaches and facilitate pick-up games and other events that encourage lifelong play. Actions will be targeted to support and engage the broader community, promoting the widespread involvement in youth sports activities It will also provide professional development and certification to enhance the quality of local coaching and organize annual back-to-school and holiday initiatives.
While MSE has outlined a program roadmap for the next four years, District of Play is designed to be flexible and adaptable to allow MSE to make adjusts based on participant, parent, coach and community partner feedback.
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