Welcome to Last Week’s Wins #5!
This week we cover facility development, a virtual summit, and voter engagement.
2020 continues to be the beginning of so many journeys and initiatives focused on sports-based community development. The developments now are laying the framework for legacy projects and long-term influence.
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WINS THIS WEEK
THE ASPEN INSTITUTE HOSTS PROJECT PLAY SUMMIT 2020
LEBRON & MICHELLE OBAMA TEAM UP TO VOTE
WHY THESE WINS MATTER
US SOCCER BUILDS MINI-PITCHES
Accessibility to safe places to play are far and few between in most cities. A partnership between Black Players for Change, New York Red Bulls, Newark Board of Education, Wells Fargo and the US Soccer Foundation is attempting to fill those gaps in the New York/New Jersey area.
Two “street soccer” courts have been built near West Side High School in Newark, New Jersey. The courts are surrounded by “visuals of prominent black athletes” from the area. These lighted mini-fields include goals, lighting, storage, and are ADA-compliant.
(Newark Mini-Pitches, via @NewYorkRedBulls Twitter)
These courts provide a place for communities to come together safely. Soccer already brings communities together on a global scale. Attempting to increase awareness and accessibility to soccer in America can open doors for many young kids. “Pay to play” models are locking many communities out of the chances to play, especially during the COVID crisis.
This partnership is showing authentic investment by constructing this field and achieving the goals they put out. Additional partners in Adidas and MUSCO Lighting will collaborate to build 12 mini-pitches nationwide over the next year and engage Newark students through U.S. Soccer initiatives.
Black Players for Change are also going beyond the on-court support. The group, made up of 170 MLS players and staff members, has organized a mentorship program with West Side High School to engage students and promote conversations on topics the students want to discuss.
THE ASPEN INSTITUTE HOSTS PROJECT PLAY SUMMIT 2020
The Aspen Institute is a leader in sports-based youth development. Project Play, launched in 2013, works to “create frameworks and tools that stakeholders can use to grow access to quality sport.”
The Aspen Institute releases State of Play reports that show measurable data on collaborative progress in communities. I monitor the progress of Project Play Baltimore closely and strive to expand the framework being built.
The collection of reports, new collaborations, and new initiatives are all discussed annually at the Project Play Summit. The 2020 Summit, like most things in 2020, was virtual. The team did a great job of presenting informational content for all viewers to build from throughout the week.
The incredible lineup of featured guests included Allyson Felix, Adam Silver, Alex Morgan, Terrell Owens, Laurie Hernandez, Hayden Hurst, Vince Carter, and many other leaders that discussed the state of youth sports and best ways to move forward.
My personal favorite session was the Historic Challenge for Schools panel. This discussion brought together representatives from the National Federation of State High School Associations, Buffalo Public Schools, University of Wisconsin, a DC student athlete, and was moderated by Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The group represented all areas of the student-athlete experience. Presenting this conversation about the challenges of 2020 and beyond created a dialogue around collaborative, positive, and efficient ways to expand the reach and influence of sports to help communities.
Reach out to me via LinkedIn or comment below if you attended Project Play 2020. I would love to connect and hear your thoughts!
LEBRON & MICHELLE OBAMA TEAM UP TO VOTE
Michelle Obama and LeBron James are teaming up to make sure people around the country have everything they need to vote early.
These prominent public figures are doing more than just posting on social media to get people to vote. Obama 's When We All Vote and James' More Than A Vote are supporting early voting sites across the country and virtually from October 18 -31.
When We All Vote has sent more than $1 million in “grants and supplies to local partner organizations to host their own activities.”
Participating organizations supporting the events include DoorDash, BET, Johnson & Johnson, MTV, the National Urban League, and United Way Worldwide.
The main goal for the partnership is to “build momentum and excitement around voting early.”
LeBron’s group is also working with Black Players for Change to encourage and support voters in the New York area.
No matter the outcome, 2020 is an election that we will never forget. Ensuring that your vote and voice matters and getting your vote in safely is so important. Check out early voting sites near you and make sure you are ready to vote!