More than 150 Police Athletic League (PAL) participants from centers around the city competed in a day of fun-filled challenges at the PAL’s annual Tournament of Champions last month.
BXTimes Coverage - Bronx students compete at Police Athletic League’s annual Tournament of Champions
On Feb. 22, more than 150 Police Athletic League (PAL) participants from PAL Centers throughout the city, including the Webster Center, competed in a fun-filled day of games and laughter at PAL’s annual Tournament of Champions event held at PAL’s Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica.
Harlem World Coverage - Harlem’s PALs Unleash Fun Fury: Youngsters Dive Into Friendly Feud At Tournament Of Champions!
On February 22, 2024, over 150 Police Athletic League (PAL) participants from PAL Centers throughout the City, including the Harlem Center.
Competed in a fun-filled day of games and laughter at PAL’s annual Tournament of Champions event held at PAL’s Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica.
BronxTalk - Afterschool Programs
Carlos Velazquez, Executive Director of PAL, joins host, Gary Axelbank and the Senior Policy Analyst for United Neighborhood Houses on BronxTalk to discuss the critical role of afterschool programs, their accessibility, costs, and funding sources.
iHeart Radio Podcast - NYC's Police Athletic League on Connecting Kids and Cops
The City Life Coverage - PAL CITYWIDE PLAYSTREETS
PLAYSTREETS is the signature summer program of PAL. PAL PLAYSTREETS are open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through August 24th, and are free to all New York City children. PAL is operating 13 PLAYSTREETS throughout the five boroughs this summer, in addition to sports leagues, including Cops & Kids teams, and summer day camps. Activities include double dutch jump rope, nok hockey, hopscotch, arts and crafts, sports, board games, educational programs and more.
WABC TV Coverage - Opening 2023 Summer Programs
HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- Imagine a free summer camp in your own backyard.
West 119th Street was partially closed Tuesday for PLAYSTREETS, an annual summer event run by the Police Athletic League (PAL).
Spectrum NY 1 News Coverage - Police Athletic League of New York City starts summer program
The Police Athletic League of New York City has kicked off their summer programs and the executive director of the nonprofit, Carlos Velazquez, joined anchors Rocco Vertuccio and Shannan Ferry Saturday morning on NY1 to discuss how they are keeping city children busy.
Harlem World News Coverage - Uptown PAL Armory Center Team Brings Home The Gold At PAL 2023 Science Fair
On June 9, 2023, at PAL’s New South Bronx Center, winners of the Police Athletic League 2023 Science Fair were announced from a field of hundreds of children in 5th through 8th grades from PAL centers from Harlem to Hollis.
CBS TV Coverage - Police Commissioner for a Day PAL Essay Contest
Watch as a determined teen becomes Police Commissioner for a Day, triumphing in an essay contest focused on subway safety.
New York Daily Social Coverage - PAL Reception at the Plaza & Superstar Announcement Bart Schwartz
Over 200 guests gathered at The Pierre to recognize the outstanding Executive Committee, supporters, partners and staff of the Police Athletic League. The event served to honor long-standing PAL family and friends, in addition to cultivating new partnerships.
2023 Police Commissioner for a Day Essay Contest Letter
January 23, 2023
Dear Educators, The youth in your schools and centers are cordially invited to participate in the PAL/NYPD “Police Commissioner for a Day” essay contest. The contest is open to all New York City students in grades 9 through 12 only. Each participant will be required to write an essay on the topic that was personally approved by Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. In responding to this year’s topic, please focus on the procedures which will enhance and improve the current situation that has been outlined in the question below, provided by the Police Commissioner’s Office. The topic this year is:
How would you, as Police Commissioner for a Day, work with the MTA to make New Yorkers feel safe riding the subway?
If one of your students is chosen as the “Police Commissioner for a Day,” they will meet Commissioner Sewell during an award ceremony to be held on April 25, 2023. The winner will also receive a $500.00 prize and a personalized plaque. In addition, the top winner’s school will receive a plaque and a $250.00 donation.
The “Police Commissioner for a Day” award is one of many awards that will be presented to the winning essay writers. The other awards include Deputy Commissioner, Bureau Chief, Patrol Borough Commander, and Precinct Commander. The winners will have an opportunity to spend a day with their top police officials.
The contest begins immediately. All entries must be completed and submitted by March 19, 2023 through the application link. Winners will be notified in the weeks following the deadline.
We have attached a flyer with the contest rules and regulations that will provide you with detailed instructions. Please make sure that your students submit their essays to the link that has been provided on the flyer. We encourage your students to submit their essays and participate in this exciting contest. For 2023 the Award Ceremony will occur on April 25, 2023.
Please contact Meredith Gray at mgray@palnyc.org or 646-357-6606 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Carlos Velasquez
Executive Director
Police Athletic League
Mark T. Stewart
Deputy Commissioner
Community Affairs Bureau
New York City Police Department
Police Athletic League (PAL) Announces Bart M. Schwartz to Become President of the Board Effective January 2023
The Police Athletic League (PAL) announced in November 2022 that Bart M. Schwartz, who has been actively working with PAL for 13 years, will become its new President effective January 2023. Mr. Schwartz has served on PAL's Board since 2009 and will take the role currently held by David Arena who has been the organization’s President of the Board since 2016. PAL is one of New York City’s largest independent not-for-profit youth development organizations.
WCBS-TV coverage - CBS2 meets students who made biggest impressions in Police Commissioner for a Day essay contest
It was an exciting Monday morning at One Police Plaza as students from across all five boroughs got sworn into the NYPD.
The honor was a reward for incredible essays they submitted. CBS2's Vanessa Murdock has more on the Police Commissioner for a Day essay contest.
New York Social Diary Coverage - Rolling out the Red Carpet
On May 18th, 2022, the Police Athletic League (PAL) hosted its 48th Annual Superstar Dinner to honor PAL Board President David J. Arena with the PAL Superstar Award at The Pierre in Manhattan, celebrating his commitment and dedication to New York City’s youth.
Insurance NewsNet Coverage - Fidelis Care and Police Athletic League Announce Renewed Partnership
"PAL is proud to partner with Fidelis Care to provide critical information regarding health and wellness with our parents, participants and stakeholders," said Marcel Braithwaite, Director of Community Engagement, PAL. "We look forward to continuing our collaboration, as we at PAL work with the NYPD and the law enforcement community to support and inspire New York City youth."
PRNewswire Coverage - Fidelis Care and Police Athletic League Announce Renewed Partnership
Fidelis Care and Police Athletic League (PAL) announced an extension of their existing partnership. As the official 2022 health plan partner supporting PAL New York City programs, Fidelis Care will continue to support recreational, educational, cultural, and social activities throughout the year. The partnership aims to impact more than 18,000 kids across the five boroughs participating in programs such as PAL PLAYSTREETS, PAL Street Games, and PAL Early/Head Start Programs.
WFMZ Coverage - Fidelis Care and Police Athletic League Announce Renewed Partnership
Today, Fidelis Care and Police Athletic League (PAL) announced an extension of their existing partnership. As the official 2022 health plan partner supporting PAL New York City programs, Fidelis Care will continue to support recreational, educational, cultural, and social activities throughout the year.
BronxTimes Coverage - PAL announces Carlos Velazquez as its new executive director
The Police Athletic League (PAL) Board of Directors and President David J. Arena announced the appointment of Carlos Velazquez as the new executive director beginning on Jan. 31. PAL, a nonprofit organization, has served New York City’s youth for more than 100 years. PAL centers and sites in the Bronx include Webster-Giannone Center, New South Bronx Center, MS 118, PS 47 and PS 48.
Harlem World Magazine Coverage - New Hip Hip Hooray, Police Athletic League Announces New Executive Director From East Harlem
The Police Athletic League (PAL) Board of Directors and President David J. Arena announced the appointment of East Harlem native Carlos Velazquez as the new Executive Director beginning on January 31, 2022.