Recreation

Established in July of 2021, Blue Chips is a co-ed youth mentoring and sports program that focuses on bridging the gap between police officers in the NYPD and youth throughout New York City. The program uses sports and education to create safe and cohesive avenues for young individuals to not only interact with each other but create stronger bonds with local members of the NYPD. Through organized athletic activities, book and drama clubs and community-improvement sessions, Blue Chips aims to break down barriers in inner-city environments to foster career and personal development and help show that there is a “heartbeat behind the badge.” In addition, the New York Yankees partnered with the Blue Chips for their city-wide softball and baseball little league engaging over a thousand of youth, as well as honored the Blue Chips program during HOPE Week 2022.

Since 1968, Special Olympics has provided year-round sports training/athletic competitions in 22 Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a result of participation in Special Olympics programming, athletes adopt a healthy lifestyle, gain confidence, build a positive self-image and become self-sufficient. Special Olympics New York (SONY) serves the local population and is committed to improving the overall quality of life and well-being for over 40,000 athletes. In addition, SONY provides nutrition education and quarterly health screenings/medical check-ups to ensure its athletes remain healthy. The New York Yankees partner with Special Olympics New York to support over 8,400 athletes served in the NYC/Bronx Program, providing area youth with access to ongoing programming and equip them with the resources required to compete. In addition, for the 2022 postseason, athletes and staff from Special Olympics New York were invited to enjoy a game at the Judge’s Chambers.

The Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl — in association with the Yankees & the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) — honored 11 scholar-athletes from each of New York City’s boroughs during the annual PSAL MVP Scholar-Athletes Awards Dinner on December 13th, 2022 at Yankee Stadium. The scholar-athletes were recognized for their outstanding academic and athletic achievements.

The Little League Support Award was implemented by the New York Yankees Community Council to promote/enhance baseball/softball in the Bronx. Bronx-based Little Leagues dedicated to providing positive recreational, educational and social outlets for area youth are rewarded for their efforts with the Little League Support Award. In 2022 the New York Yankees Community Council Little League Support Award was issued to chartered Bronx Little Leagues that applied and were chartered by a Little League Organization or incorporated as a non-profit organization with a 501c3 designation.