Department of Education’s Big Apple Games Offer Free Activities for Ages 8-19
The New York City Department of Education (DOE) recently announced the start of the Big Apple Games, which offer free recreational activities for children between the ages of eight and nineteen. The program is run by the DOE’s Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL), which oversees high school varsity and junior varsity competitive sports during the school year. This summer the Big Apple Games run from July 6 to August 16 at 48 sites located throughout the 5 boroughs, and offer basketball, softball, baseball, volleyball, swimming, football, soccer, lacrosse, cross country, track and field, and arts and crafts. Families can register daily at each site throughout the six-week program.
“We are offering terrific athletic programs that are fun and provide free, healthy forms of exercise for youngsters at all ability levels,” PSAL Executive Director Donald Douglas said. “We have clinics for beginners and tournaments for more experienced athletes. There is something for everyone, so there is no excuse to sit at home this summer.”
In addition to the regular activities, some locations will offer special programs with local professional athletes, including basketball clinics with players from New York Liberty and Harlem Wizards. Select sites will also have programs for children with special needs. Certified teachers and school safety officers will be on site at all locations.
The Big Apple Games are in their 30th year of operation. Last year the program attracted 43,000 children citywide. The Big Apple Games are partially sponsored by Snapple. Additionally, the American Diary Council is providing students access to New York Liberty games and to players who are conducting basketball clinics.
For a list of Big Apple Games activities and locations, families can call 311. The program is free and runs from July 6 through August 13. For more information, contact David Cantor or Margie Feinberg at (212) 374-5141. #
