Harlem World Coverage - Harlem Youngsters Participate In PAL “Showstoppers” Competition Exploring Hip Hop Through The Decades

On April 24, 2024, over 500 PAL youngsters from throughout the city competed in the Police Athletic League’s (PAL) annual Showstoppers event held in The Theater at City Tech in Downtown Brooklyn.

This year’s theme celebrated “50 Years of Hip-Hop” as young people, representing PAL Centers throughout the five boroughs, teamed up to display their talents with choreographed performances, using creative costumes and props.

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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.

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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.

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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.