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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2024 |
Olga George
Press Secretary
Mayor's Office
olga.george@pittsburghpa.gov
412-627-0679 |
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Mayor Ed Gainey and MBK Pittsburgh Launch Late Night Basketball Initiative
The program seeks to use sports to foster safe spaces for young adults to enjoy and develop their skills
Pittsburgh, PA – Under the leadership of Mayor Ed Gainey, My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Pittsburgh has crafted a late-night basketball initiative for young adults, between the ages of 18 through 26. The imitative will be implemented in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department's CitiSports program as part of the Department's growing commitment to violence prevention. This initiative is a critical piece of Mayor Gainey’s violence prevention strategy to reach our most at-risk young adults, providing an opportunity for them to have access to safe places within the City and constructive activities to discuss and learn how to find a path to improve their personal and professional growth.
“In this day and age, we recognize the importance of providing our young people with constructive outlets and activities, many of which graduate out of violence prevention programs due to age, and are left without many trusted safe spaces,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “We will continue to spearhead creative initiatives that allow our young people to recognize their value and power to enact change.”
During the nine-week program, participants will have access to resources and information about the various supportive services that are available in our City. The kickoff will consist of participants gathering for a meet and greet with our REACH workers and Stop the Violence (STV) organizations to build comradery.
In addition to playing basketball, participants will attend weekly skills and training development workshops before the start of each game. Workshop focus areas will be workforce development, financial education, violence prevention, health and wellness resources, and educational attainment.
Regular season games will take place on Tuesdays and Thursday for six weeks at the South Side Market House beginning on January 14, 2024, from 6 pm—10 pm. Followed by playoff games for three weeks towards the championship game and graduation from the initiative.
Anyone interested in participating in the initiative as a player, or a mentor or coach can sign up here.
For any additional information, please visit the MBK Pittsburgh EngagePGH page here.
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