From ABC7 Los Angeles · · 1m 20s
Free sports day at an Oakland park
A Saturday clinic at Ira Jinkins Park let kids try sports without a registration fee standing in the way.
In brief
A Saturday clinic at Ira Jinkins Park let kids try sports without a registration fee standing in the way. Cost is what keeps most kids off the field, so a free clinic is not a small gesture, it is the whole barrier removed for a day. Originally reported by ABC7 Los Angeles.
A park turned into a field day
Ira Jinkins Park in Oakland hosted a free sports event for young kids on Saturday, part of a national push by ESPN, Disney Jr. and Every Kid Sports.
The real barrier is money
Organizers say plenty of kids never learn the fundamentals because families cannot cover the fees. For one day, the price tag disappeared.
“Kids don't get the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of these sports or participate due to the cost.”
Mickey showed up
Mickey Mouse made a surprise appearance and kids were pushed out onto the field to actually play, not just watch.
Families, not just kids
KGO-TV's president and general manager called it an event for whole families, framing it as part of Disney's ongoing work with kids and communities.
“It's just, it's a wonderful event for all the kids and families.”
Snacks, books and resources
Oakland's own Eat. Learn. Play. set up on site, handing out healthy snacks, books and other resources to the children who came through.
How to get help
Every Kid Sports takes applications for support with youth sports costs at everykidsports.org, so the help does not end when the clinic does.
The headline
Cost is what keeps most kids off the field, so a free clinic is not a small gesture, it is the whole barrier removed for a day.
