Basketball program creates recreational jobs in Chicago
Posted on May 28, 2014
Chicago Park District is partnering with Nike for the second year in a row to offer free basketball skills clinics in neighborhood parks across the city, a move that will create recreational jobs in Chicago.
The free clinics, known as Chi League Parks, will be held every Saturday this summer, starting May 31.
Chi League was created in 2013 by Nike to bring dynamic summer hoops options to Chicago and is comprised of a trio of programs: Chi League Pro-Am, Chi League Parks and Chi League School.
This year, Chi League programs will create a total of 150 area jobs.
Dates include:
May 31: Columbus Park
June 7: Taylor Park
June 14: Franklin Park
June 21: Washington Park
June 28: LaFollette Park
July 12: Garfield Park
July 19: Fernwood Park
July 26: Homan Square
August 2: Ogden Park
August 9: Foster Park
Chi League Pro-Am is 10 week pro-am series featuring 12 neighborhood teams comprised of 180 elite basketball players, including 30 current and former professional basketball players. Chi League School is an intensive basketball and life skills development program for high school student-athletes who want to improve their skills but do not have the opportunity to get invited to premier off-season leagues.
“We’re proud to partner with the Chicago Park District to bring Chi League Parks back to the communities of Chicago.” said Jim Beeman, VP/GM North America region at Nike, Inc. “Chi League Parks allow young players a chance to celebrate the rich basketball culture of the city while also delivering programs to help improve their skills on and off the court.”
The Chi League Parks program, created by Nike in partnership with the Chicago Park District, offers a safe place for kids 10-18 to participate in an immersive basketball and life skills clinic. This year, the program has been expanded to reach 10,000 Chicago kids, up from 5,000 kids last year.
“Chi League Parks was a tremendous success in 2013 and serves as an example of how business, communities and government can come together to support Chicago’s youth while also creating area jobs,” said Mayor Emanuel. “It’s important that our kids have access to safe activities and positive role models in the summer, and I commend Nike for doubling down on this successful program to reach even more young people.”