BALTIMORE — What's the clique that you represent? Or whatever Atlanta-based rapper Lil Jon said.
If you're a Baltimore City teen between the ages of 12-14, Mayor Jack Young wants you to rep your district in a week long Olympic-style sports tournament.
On Wednesday, the mayor announced the Baltimore City Recreation & Parks’ first ever Charm City Games competition in July. Mayor Young said the teams of young athletes will link-up with the Mayor's Office and their elected council representative to form teams and compete for the coveted Charm City Cup.
“The inaugural Charm City Games will engage our youth in positive recreational activities and help boost civic engagement by putting them in direct contact with their elected City Council representatives,” Young said. “I’m looking forward to spirited competition and having our young people engage in positive activities.”
Once parents register their Charm City Olympian, a team member of the Games will follow up with information about tryouts and practice. Young said every tryout must be attended to participate in games
“The mission of Charm City Games is to connect communities through competition,” said Reginald Moore, Executive Director of Baltimore City Recreation & Parks. “It’s no secret that avenues to engage the city’s youth between the ages of 12-18 is a necessity – Charm City Games was designed with this in mind. We’re excited to launch this event as one of many of our new and exciting youth engagement initiatives.”
City leaders not only ask for the youth to get involved, but parents, mentors and community leaders to participate as team coaches. The following sports include soccer, basketball, track and field, and tennis.
The games are slated to kick-off with an opening ceremony at Baltimore City Hall on Saturday, July 13 while the main sporting events take place at various locations throughout the city July 14-20.
Parents can register their children and volunteer as coaches at bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/charm-city-gamesor onsite at Herring Run, Virginia S. Baker, Northwood, Walter P. Carter, CC Jackson, Roosevelt and Edgewood Recreation Centers.
