$4.2M in state grants go to NYC youth sports; 3 Staten Island programs included

By Sonya Gugliara | sgugliara@siadvance.com
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A state-funded allocation of $4.2 million will allow team sports programs across the city to further support their communities’ youth, including three Staten Island organizations that are hoping to bridge equity gaps in their neighborhoods.

According to the mayor’s office, more than $2.3 million has already been distributed. The other $1.9 million is being used this summer to support 41 more community organizations. Mayor Eric Adams, Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard announced these grants on Friday.

This funding, allocated through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, prioritizes historically underserved communities throughout the city. Of the funded organizations, 17 will provide girls team sports, five are tailored to youth identifying as non-binary and 19 support youth with special needs.

“Sports are more than just a fun activity; they provide a safe space for our young people during the summer days to learn about teamwork, collaboration and leadership,” Adams said in a press release. “Thanks to this multi-million-dollar state grant, neighborhoods most in need of support will be first in line for critical investments to more than 40 local community-based organizations.”

Integrated Athletic Initiative

The Integrated Athletic Initiative (IAI), located in Charleston, was given $50,000 towards their bowling league for youth ages 5 through 18. This six-week league will begin in August and aims to serve youth with special needs.

Brian Licata, an IAI board member, anticipates about 100 participants to come bowl each day at Rab’s Country Lanes in Dongan Hills.

“It’s a great opportunity for a nonprofit to put on some sort of league play, and not have to charge for it, because if you were going to go out and join a bowling league, you spend a couple $100 at very least.” Licata continued, “But really, the whole thing is to bring together young adults that just don’t get the opportunity to participate in the same way.”

The IAI has hosted similar events in the past and has received the same grant, the DYCD Neighborhood grant, once before.