From Englewood to North Park, Chicago Cubs Charities, a non-profit that mobilizes the power of sport to champion youth, families and communities, will celebrate an investment of more than $2M in local Chicago neighborhoods through 12 ribbons cuttings this year.
The program, called “the Diamond Project” supports baseball and softball programs in the inner city.
“Supporting local baseball and softball programs is the focus of the Diamond Project,” says Executive Director of Cubs Charities Alicia Gonzalez.
“Particularly, how we can support our Chicago children and communities with the chance to play on fields that are safe and accessible. After experiencing an extremely challenging last two years where many sports programs were paused or altered significantly, we are excited to be back out celebrating our communities through the power of sport.”
After nearly two years of youth league cancellations or modifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ribbon cuttings showcase Cubs Charities’ support for improving neighborhood baseball and softball fields and facilities in Chicago’s underserved communities.
The group’s goal is to help revitalize community baseball parks and infields, develop dugout construction, and add scoreboard repairs and new bleachers.
Since 2014, the Diamond Project has committed more than $10.8M to fund 103 capital improvement projects and grants to 79 youth baseball and softball programs to support operations and equipment needs.
The ribbon cuttings will bring communities together across Chicago, while underlining the importance of sport and play for the city’s youth.
While in-person competition and athletic programs were paused, Cubs Charities and partners across the city, from McKinley Park to Humboldt Park, have eagerly anticipated the day that play could safely resume.
For more information, visit www.cubscharities.org.
Joseph Phillips is the Sports Editor for the Chicago Crusader Newspaper. He is a Chicago native, who has been a sports writer for over 17 years. He also hosts the SC Media News and Sports Network Q&A radio show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago. He can be reached at [email protected].
Joseph Phillips is the Sports Editor for the Chicago Crusader Newspaper. He is a Chicago native, who has been a sports writer for over 17 years. He also hosts the SC Media News and Sports Network Q&A radio show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago.
