Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
"If it were not for the dedicated, spirited staff of PAL, many of these young New Yorkers in the summer program would have no organized recreational activities in their communities," Mayor Giuliani said. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I wish to congratulate all of the hard working people who have made PAL a reality. I would also like to salute the children of PAL who have participated in a variety of events this summer and who today bring the Olympic ideals of good sportsmanship, teamwork and fun to Central Park."
"On behalf of the New York City Police Department, I want to thank and congratulate the Police Athletic League for its long standing tradition of providing the City's youths with activities and programs which go such a long way towards helping them reach their potential and enjoy their summer," Commissioner Safir said. "As Police Commissioner, I'm very proud of the Department's commitment to PAL and I am certain this relationship will continue for a long time to come."
Children representing over 120 play site programs carried colorful handmade banners around the North Meadow. Afterwards, the Mayor and Police Commissioner cheered on the children as they participated in activities that included knock hockey and double dutch rope jumping.
The Police Athletic League, founded in 1914 by Captain John Sweeney, has grown into the largest independent youth serving agency in New York City. In ten full-time and 61 part-time centers, PAL provides year round recreational, educational and cultural after-school and evening programs for girls and boys. This summer the Police Athletic League conducted summer programs in some 190 neighborhoods serving 25,000 children from the age of 3 to 21.