Cub Charities recently celebrated Diamond Project capital grant investments at La Villita Park in Little Village and Little Cubs Field in Humboldt Park. The charity is “a nonprofit that mobilizes the power of sport to champion youth, families, and communities,” according to Lawndale News. Cubs Charities strives for a healthy and active community by providing opportunities for children to play and motivating neighborhood members to become coaches, caretakers, and mentors.
The Diamond Project offers opportunities for youth to play softball and baseball by creating and sustain green spaces in the scarcely-resourced neighborhood. With help from the Diamond Project, Cub Charities supplies funds and equipment to nonprofit neighborhood organizations that support softball and baseball leagues along with projects aimed to improve the quality of security and availability of neighborhood-based fields and training centers.
Since 2014, the Diamond Project has devoted more than $9,800,000 in funding for 103 capital improvement projects and more than $1,000,000 in grants for 79 youth softball and baseball programs assisting with equipment and operational necessities. Supported by Cubs Charities 50/50 Raffle and Cubs Authentics, the Diamond Project advertises its MLB verified and authenticated game and autographed Cubs Memorabilia.
The organization’s goal is to support and improve baseball, softball fields, and facilities and to invest in safe places for the neighborhoods across Chicago. Between July 21 and 24, 2022, 315 of the Midwest’s best athletes met in the Windy City to compete in a baseball and softball tournament held by Chicago Cubs Charities.
With the Diamond Project, the community that the charity envisions grows close to one of unity, connection, and opportunity in which children can grow and expand their skills with people who share similar interests.
The Cubs Franchise
The Cubs franchise is one to be held in high prestige. Being one of the eldest MLB teams in league history, the team has amassed three championships: The most recent during the 2015-2016 season.
The Windy City is the third largest in America, making it a hotspot for sports and tourism. The MLB is one of the world’s earliest sports leagues and is held in high regard by American citizens, with 30 teams across 17 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada.
The MLB RBI Central Regional Tournament is a part of the MLB’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities initiative. For many involved in the tournament, the RBI program has brought empowerment and inspiration to the youth, impacting thousands of young athletes nationwide. The event was an organizational affair, as Cubs alumni served as scorekeepers, broadcasters, field coordinators, scoreboard operators, and promoters.
The program provides outlets for youth to participate in college preparation courses, sports summer leagues, and tournaments. Thus allowing players to showcase talent while representing their city in the process while building youth towards successful career paths.
Cubs Charities CASE (Careers As Sports Executives) study program provides sophomores and juniors with opportunities to pursue careers in sports along with additional training for entry-level jobs on the sports field. The CASE program allows students to choose their desired careers of interest.
For many, sports are a passion that represents the idea of teamwork and family. With this enthusiasm, young athletes thrive in a positive and safe environment to better build toward a career in the sports world. They are able to showcase their talent and prove themselves poised to play in the big leagues. Stamping their names among greats like Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, and Roberto Clemente.
Written by Mikal Eggleston
Edited by Sheena Robertson
Source:
Lawndale News: Cubs Charities to Celebrate Diamond Project Grant Investments La Villita Park, Little Cubs Field
MLB: Cubs host thrilling RBI Tourney in Chicago; by Jack Mueller
MLB: MLB’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities initiative
Featured Image Courtesy of Shutter Runner‘s Flickr – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Caitriana Nicholson‘s Flickr – Creative Commons License
