Children from Queens joined scores of kids from across New York City at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island for City Parks Foundation’s (CPF) 14th Annual CityParks Track & Field Citywide Championships on Aug. 12 for a day of healthy competition in a wide range of track and field events.
Over 2,000 kids, ages 5 to 16, broke off into teams to compete in several events over the course of the day including javelin, discus, shot put, triple jump, long jump, 400- and 800-meter runs, hurdles, a 4×100-meter relay, and the 100-meter dash.
Children with special needs participated in events including a 100-meter dash that included children in wheelchairs, as well as several other events. In addition, there was a “giant” relay race for runners ages 5 to 7. Championship medals were awarded at peewee, beginner and intermediate levels.
CityParks Track & Field, presented by EmblemHealth, offers free track and field instruction for children ages 5 to 16, with lessons held two times a week from July through August in parks across the city.
Through its partnership with EmblemHealth, CPF’s free annual youth track and field instruction also provides the children and their families with health tips including sun safety tips, hydration information, and other wellness information and special giveaways.
CPF is the only independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to offer programs in parks throughout the five boroughs. It works in more than 350 parks citywide, presenting a broad range of programs in an effort to promote healthy and vibrant communities, reaching 425,000 people each year.
