As the excitement of the Paris Olympics fades, 200 young athletes aged 5 to 17 took to the track at Springfield Gardens High School in Queens on Saturday, Aug. 17, inspired by the prowess of stars like Noah Lyles, Gabby Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson.
The event marked the second NYPD Blue Chips Track and Field Meet of 2024, providing a platform for these aspiring athletes to showcase their skills.
Following the success of the inaugural meet on July 20, last Saturday’s event gave participants another opportunity to compete. The young racers were divided into four age groups, with the youngest, aged 5 to 7, vying for Gold, Silver and Bronze in the 50-meter race. Older competitors faced off in the 100m, 400m, 200m, 800m and 4x100m relay races, showcasing their speed and endurance. The day also featured a shot put event and a spirited 4x100m relay between NYPD officers, parents and coaches, with the NYPD team securing first place.
The Track and Field Meet is a recent addition to the NYPD Blue Chips mentoring and athletics program, a citywide initiative aimed at bridging the gap between law enforcement and young people through mentoring and athletics. Launched over three years ago, the program has successfully engaged thousands of New York City’s youth in various sports, including baseball, basketball, soccer and golf.
The introduction of track and field to the Blue Chips lineup was spearheaded by NYPD Community Affairs Officer Meisue Francis, a former track star who earned a full scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU). After competing professionally, Francis returned to New York City and joined the NYPD to give back to the community.
“Now, I’m able to work with the youth. Now I’m able to help another child or children get the same opportunity that I was awarded when I was their age,” Francis, who led the event, said. She told QNS she wanted her work to be as “impactful as possible.”
“Everyone can run track, especially girls; they love competing, and they love running,” Francis said. “It feels amazing to be able to give the children, our youths, this incredible opportunity, and one day, at least, most of them will be in the Olympics, I’m sure of it.”
Some participants had even traveled from as far as Cincinnati, Ohio.
Cynthia Bingham, whose 15-year-old son Nick Cephas won the 800m, told QNS that her son had joined the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and was supposed to participate in the AAU Junior Olympics, but because of Bingham’s health – she had a double mastectomy – plans “got mixed up.” Her son learned about the Blue Chips Track and Field Meet, and Bingham told him she “was going to make it happen” to get his name out there.
“Running is his life. He loves running, and he wants to go to the Olympics. And you know what? I’ll make sure he goes,” Bingham declared.
Bingham said Blue Chips was a beautiful program.
“I really enjoyed every moment here. I love how [the NYPD] gives back to the children. It was just a beautiful environment today,” Bingham said.
Desiree Flournoy-Powell’s seven-year-old Aubree won three gold medals in the 50, 100 and 800m races and one silver in the shot-put.
Flournoy-Powell, who lives in New Jersey, heard about the meet through one of her daughter’s coaches.
“I love the program. I wished that New Jersey would do something like this,” Flournoy-Powell said. “I think it’s great exposure for the kids. It gives them something to do.”
NYPD Det. Darnell Gatling with Community Affairs, one of the co-creators of the NYPD Blue Chips program, was impressed with the young athletes’ passion. Gatling told QNS there are not enough free meets for young athletes in New York City.
“It kind of can get costly, and it’s not really available in the city as much for the kids to practice and hone their skills,” Gatling said. “We’re here so the kids can come out, meet new people, hone their skills in track and field and just get better.”
NYPD Deputy Chief at Community Affairs Bureau Victoria C. Perry said the Track and Field Meet was a “phenomenal” event.
“The kids love it. All ages. And that’s important because we need to start touching the kids at a younger age,” Perry told QNS. ” I look at them, and I think I can do it. But more so, it gives me a sense of happiness to see them in their happy place. And actually amongst us doing this.”
