The governor of New York announced this week the distribution of $4.2 million in grants to youth sports programs throughout New York City.
According to a press release, approximately $2.3 million has already been distributed and another $1.9 million is 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 Police Department (NYPD) precincts identified in A Blueprint for Community Safety, a roadmap with upstream solutions to address gun violence throughout the five boroughs.
Among the providers, seventeen will provide girls team sports, five target young people who identify as non-binary, and 19 support youth with special needs.
“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,” governor Hochul said. “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.”
This funding is part of a larger investment in youth sports programming statewide. A total of $15 million is available across two funding sources under the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). In New York City, sports funding will create opportunities for young people under 18 years old in:
- Historically under-resourced communities.
- Neighborhoods that experience higher rates of crime and violence and 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).
Governor Hochul also launched the “Get Offline, Get Outside” summer campaign to promote physical and mental health by helping New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.
The announcement was kicked off news that the state is waiving swimming pool entry fees at New York State Parks this summer. In the FY 2025 Budget, the Governor secured $150 million to expand access to safe swimming opportunities for New Yorkers as a part of her NY SWIMS initiative – the largest statewide investment in swimming since the New Deal. As part of New York State Parks Centennial celebration, Governor Hochul is encouraging New Yorkers to get outside and celebrate 100 years of the State Park System at events throughout the summer. The Governor also recently signed legislation to help increase access to State Parks, recreational facilities and historic sites.
