Mayor Cherelle Parker to invest $3M into youth sports, anti-violence

Kamala Harris And Running Mate Tim Walz Make First Appearance Together In Philadelphia

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On Monday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker unveiled a new plan to further increase the anti-violence efforts in the city.

Mayor Parker has elected to invest an unprecedented $3 million dollars into youth sports, anti-violence efforts. The new funding is part of Parker’s “One Philly” budget plan and will see funds spread throughout a variety of sports and anti-violence programs citywide.

“Philadelphia, we are responsible for ensuring our children are equipped with the tools necessary for success. 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,” said Mayor Parker. “That is why I made this $3 million a priority in my One Philly Budget and will continue to make sure these activities are well funded moving forward.”

She also spoke on the measures these organizations take to raise funds for their travel expenses to different events. As we approach the bitter winter months, Mayor Parker looks to alleviate children and their parents from having to stand outside in the cold depending on the kindness of strangers to fund their activities and travel.

“Every time I see a young person in their uniform, I don’t care if it’s a drill team, sports team, and they are outside with their helmets or boots or anything (panhandling for donations), it just gets under my skin,” she said. “That’s not what our young people should have to do.”

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Officials said that funding will support 28 teams from 9 organizations throughout the city, including:

The Blackhawks Athletic Club, three cheer teams, and six football teams from ages 8-13 years old
The Oak Lane Lady Wildcats, five cheer teams from ages 8-16 years old
The Uptown Warriors, four cheer teams from ages 5-16 years-old
The North Philly Aztecs, four cheer teams from ages 8-16 years-old
The Frankford Chargers, one football team, and one dance team, both 8 years old
The Sturgis Hornets, a 7 years-old and under football team
The City Youth Association Gators, a 14 years-old and under football team
Germantown Elite, a 6 years-old and under football team
The Kensington Ravens, a 12-16 years-old cheer team

Multiple coaches from the organizations spoke to Mayor Parkers good works, praising her for giving their organization to opportunity to carry out the rest of their season and future endeavors.

Source: Tom Williams / Getty

“I want to thank the mayor because when we found out we were going to nationals, I asked myself where we were going to get the money from, and someone said the mayor got something for you,” said Donald Richardson, the executive director of the North Philly Blackhawks in a statement on the investment. “I told myself, we’re going to get there, and the City is seeing that we get there.”

“This is a little special for me because we have been fundraising and doing this from the muscle for years, without the support,” said Kimberly Jamison, the cheer coordinator for the Oak Lane Lady Wildcats, in a statement. “We are eternally grateful and appreciative of the leadership and vision of Mayor Parker. This grant will help us expand our program, enabling more youth athletes to develop skills, build confidence, and foster teamwork.”

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