CHICAGO () — Music, cheers from young participants and a special visit from Mickey Mouse helped launch “Let’s Play Sports!,” a free family-friendly event designed to give Chicago children an energetic introduction to organized athletics.
The event, presented by Disney Jr. and ESPN in collaboration with the Chicago Park District and ABC7 Chicago, invited kids ages 3 to 7 to sample a range of sports, including soccer, boxing, baseball and gymnastics.
Families took part Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ComEd Recreational Center, located at 1434 S. Loomis St. on Chicago’s Near West Side.
Organizers said the mission was simple: encourage children to have fun, gain confidence and help parents connect with youth sports opportunities in their communities.
Lisa Vasquez, senior manager of Disney Entertainment Corporate Social Responsibility, said the event reflected the kind of positive impact Disney aims to create for young families.
“Days like this are everything—it’s the reason I do this job for Disney. It’s really about taking the best of all that we have at Walt Disney, and igniting and inspiring and bringing joy to kids,” Vasquez said.
For parents, the event also offered a welcome chance to get children moving and engaged in activities away from screens.
“It brings out some athleticism in them. Some kids like to hide behind iPad or a phone. To have them active, it’s great for them,” said father Deshaun Dotson.
Vasquez added that the event helps families understand how to get started.
“It introduces kids to sports in a Disney magical way & provides resources for parents so they know how to access sport,” she said.
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For many families, cost can be a barrier to youth sports. Every Kid Sports, a nonprofit partner at the event, works to reduce those obstacles.
“Sports and the costs are rising year after year and kids are not getting to play. It’s the number one barrier right now. So we’re focused right there on the registration front,” said Eleana Fanaika with Every Kid Sports.
ABC7 Chicago Vice President of Community Engagement Diana Palomar said the energy was contagious.
“To be able to bring sports and the importance of it to families and bring kids together,” Palomar said. “This day has just been so much fun”.
Vasquez said the response from families showed how meaningful the experience was.
“It’s been so positive. The idea of Disney and Mickey showing up in community and being able to bring the joy there’s been a positive response to that. Its so important to figure out how to support our kids and give them access to all thats going to make them the best they can be,” Vasquez said.
Fanaika said watching kids open up was the best part.
“I want to bottle this up and take it with me. This is the most joy. Watching these kids try new things, some of them starting really shy and now you’re seeing them open up and make new friends. Even their parents are part of the excitement too,” Fanaika said.
As Mickey waved goodbye and kids wrapped up their final drills, the message of the day was clear: with a little magic – and a lot of play – everyone wins.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Disney Jr., ESPN and this ABC station.
