PAL Children In Harlem Celebrate Opening Of PAL 2024 Summer Programs Honoring Partnership With NYPD

On July 17, 2024, at the PAL Harlem Center, 441 Manhattan Avenue, hundreds of children enjoyed summertime fun and games. 

Children participated in double dutch jump rope, nok hockey, hopscotch, tug-of-war, sports, board games, rock climbing, break dancing and more to celebrate the Police Athletic League’s Summer Programs throughout the city.  NYPD provided a portable rock climbing wall, and police officers and youngsters competed in Tug-of-War. The theme was “Retro 90’s” with a DJ spinning classic hits. And, of course, there was ice cream!

“My favorite PAL activity is getting wet in the sprinklers, and we always have fun games to play and go on fun trips,” said Demi, age 9, PAL Harlem Center. Kian, age 9, added, “My favorite PAL activity is in the gym. We play basketball and have fun.” Ediany, age 11, said, “I definitely like the trips and we go to see movies. I also love water Wednesdays!”

Chaveli Colon, age 26, PAL staff member, commented, “If I have a bad day or wake up feeling exhausted, my day immediately gets better with the PAL kids, because they always make me laugh. I love them and love their personalities!”

The traditional highlight of the PAL event was the opening of a fire hydrant where children ran through the sprinklers to cool off and beat the heat wave with laughter, smiles and cheers! This year, VIPs joined the race to cool off in the sprinkler including Carlos Velazquez, PAL Executive Director, who welcomed guests, PAL youngsters and families.

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Special guests included: Tania Kinsella, First Deputy Commissioner, NYPD; Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney; Bridget G. Brennan, NYC Special Narcotics Prosecutor; Bart M. Schwartz, PAL President; Mark Stewart, NYPD Deputy Commissioner; Alden Foster, NYPD Executive Director, along with other distinguished PAL friends and supporters.

“110 years ago on the Lower East Side, Police Commissioner Arthur Woods closed off a New York City street for children to play. This was the first playstreet, and today we are following that tradition by giving PAL kids an opportunity to play, celebrate, have fun and explore the city. You, our youth, are the best part of PAL!,”said Carlos Velazquez, PAL Executive Director.

Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney said, “110 years is a long time to celebrate, and we are proud to support PAL. We are all here to play so let’s have fun!”

Tania Kinsella, First Deputy Commissioner, NYPD told the PAL children to have a fun time and then to the delight of the children, she joined them by running through the sprinkler with the kids! She then showed off her own Double Dutch skills while the children laughed and applauded. She took her turn at the end of the rope to twirl for the kids too.

PAL Summer programs take place throughout the five boroughs, providing Playstreets, sports leagues including Cops & Kids teams and day camps. In PAL Summer Day Camps, children develop their creativity through arts and crafts, explore the city on trips to museums and other sites, enjoy sports activities, and learn from a wide range of educational, recreational and cultural arts specialists.  PAL Playstreets is the signature summer program of the organization.  Playstreets program uses parks and other public areas throughout New York City to give children safe, supervised places to play, and playstreets are free to all New York City children.

Founded in 1914, New York City’s Police Athletic League is a nonprofit organization that provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to 15,000 children and teens annually. For more information, please visit www.palnyc.org.

Photo credit: PAL.