Oakland, Calif. — On a sunny Saturday in Oakland, the Ira Jinkins Recreation Center came alive as children raced across the grounds, practiced new skills and discovered the basics of several sports.
Eleana Fanaika, executive director of Every Kid Sports, said athletics offer children far more than a chance to kick, throw or hit a ball. Sports help young people build friendships, learn commitment and understand that they are supported by an entire community.
David Wurtzel, president and general manager of ABC7, emphasized that exposure to a variety of sports plays an important role in a child’s development.
Disney Jr., ESPN and ABC7 joined Oakland Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development, the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation and Every Kid Sports to bring the “Let’s Play Sports Clinic” to local families.
Myka N. Hammock, director of Oakland Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development, said the cost of registration can prevent many children from participating or learning the fundamentals. The clinic removed that barrier by offering free activities for the day.
Fanaika said ESPN and Disney’s “Let’s Play” campaign, in partnership with Every Kid Sports, also provides seasonal grants to help families pay youth sports registration fees.
The event welcomed children ages 3 to 7, who rotated through introductory lessons in T-ball, football, soccer and basketball, Hammock said.
The morning began with a lively dance warm-up before the young athletes received a visit from a special honorary coach: Mickey Mouse.
Oakland District 7 Councilmember Ken Houston celebrated the moment, saying Disney had effectively brought the magic of Disneyland to the children attending the clinic.
The afternoon also featured support from another Oakland-based organization dedicated to helping children and families.
Marissa Trambley, managing director of impact and advocacy for Eat. Learn. Play., said the organization was founded by Stephen and Ayesha Curry on the belief that every child deserves the resources and opportunities needed to reach their potential. Along with sports activities, the foundation provided nutritious meals, books and other items for children to take home.
Fanaika said this marked the second year of the campaign. Across the first two years, more than 2,000 children have gained access to sports, including about 700 so far this year.
Kenetra Chappelle, a mother attending the event, described the experience as exciting for both her child and the wider community.
Wurtzel called the clinic a meaningful event for Oakland children and their families.
Families seeking grants to help cover youth sports registration costs can apply at https://everykidsports.org/letsplaysports.
Disney is the parent company of Localish and this ABC station.
