Oakland, Calif. – The Ira Jinkins Recreation Center was filled with the sounds of laughter and the thud of balls on Saturday morning as dozens of children gathered for the “Let’s Play Sports Clinic.” The free event, organized by Disney Jr., ESPN, ABC7 and local partners, gave kids ages three to seven a chance to learn the basics of T‑ball, football, soccer and basketball without any cost.
Community partners bring resources to families
“When a kid goes out and play sports, they’re doing more than kicking a ball, throwing a ball, hitting a ball,” said Eleana Fanaika, Executive Director of Every Kid Sports. “They’re learning that they have a whole community behind them. They make new friends. They learn to show up.” Fanaika added that many families cannot afford registration fees, and the clinic’s seasonal grants cover those costs.
Myka N. Hammock, Director of Oakland Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development, explained, “A lot of kids don’t get the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the sport or participate due to the cost. Today, they have the opportunity to learn these sports with no problem of paying for anything. It’s free for today.” The grants, funded by ESPN and Disney’s “Let’s Play” campaign, enable families to register for youth leagues throughout the year.
Support from local leaders and foundations
District 7 Councilmember Ken Houston praised the event, saying, “Disney brought Disneyland to us, to all our children out here. That’s why I’m so excited.” The Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, founded by Stephen and Ayesha Curry, also participated, providing nutritious meals and educational resources. “We want to round that out with healthy, nutritious meals, books and other resources that kids can enjoy and take home,” said Marissa Trambley, Managing Director of Impact and Advocacy for the foundation.
David Wurtzel, President and General Manager of ABC7, highlighted the importance of varied sports experiences: “It’s really important to a child’s development to play lots of different sports.” He noted that the clinic aligns with broader efforts to promote physical activity and community engagement among Oakland’s youth.
Impact and future plans
Fanaika noted that this is the second year of the “Let’s Play” campaign in Oakland. “In the two years we’ve been rolling, it’s been over 2,000 kids have received access to go play. And this year alone, it’s already hit 700 kids,” she said.
Parents at the event echoed the sentiment. “It’s super great. It’s an awesome experience for us all, not just for myself and my child, but everyone included,” said mother Kenetra Chappelle. Wurtzel added, “It’s a wonderful event for all the kids and families.”
How to apply for future grants
Families interested in receiving grant assistance for youth‑sports registration can apply at everykidsports.org/letsplaysports. The partnership between Disney Jr., ESPN, ABC7 and local nonprofits demonstrates how community collaboration can remove financial barriers and give every child the chance to thrive through sport.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
