The end of the school year meant the end of yet another successful year of Urban Initiatives programming. The Work to Play program saw over 1,000 kids from 35 Chicago Public Schools across the city come together for weekly health and character lessons while using the beautiful game of soccer to grow an appreciation for physical activity. Take the Lead Team Captains hit the ground running as leaders of their school and community. Play with Potential recess had thousands of kids at 21 schools across Chicago active during their school day.
This year’s Soccer Ball raised a record amount of funds and helped Urban Initiatives expand programming to more kids. The Work to Play Cup ended the year on a high note, having every Work to Play soccer player come out to Midway Plaisance and celebrate all of their hard work throughout the school year. So many memories couldn’t have been possible without all of our amazing supporters, volunteers and staff members.
The Urban Initiatives Appreciation Party took place on Thursday, June 25th and gave everyone a chance to celebrate another successful year of impact. Junior Board members, volunteers, coaches, long time supporters and staff all enjoyed drinks and wonderful bites from Limelight Catering as they mingled and shared their favorite memories from this year. The event then turned into a retirement celebration for UI’s longest tenured OSPD, Christian Nze. For years Coach Nze has helped hundreds of kids at Attucks learn the importance of being healthy and active student athletes.
Thanks Coach Nze for all of your commitment to Urban Initiatives and thanks to everyone who helped UI have such an impact on thousands of kids across Chicago! We couldn’t do it without YOU!
