Play time: Philly Play held a Summer Challenge at Vogt Playground on Aug. 13 to celebrate the final week of Philly Play summer programming. About 3,000 kids attended the daylong event, which included different play stations such as hula hooping, jump ropes, basketball, football, playground time and ground games. Representatives from the 76ers, Eagles and Phillies helped coach the kids.
City Councilman Bobby Henon (D-6th dist.) hosted the inaugural Philly Play Summer Challenge last week at Vogt Playground in Tacony.
More than 3,000 kids participated, representing summer camps, day cares, preschools and recreation centers around Philadelphia and the region. The day capped off six weeks of Philly Play summer camp programming and Pop Up events around the city, all aimed at promoting active play and the use of parks and recreation facilities.
“This is what Philly Play is all about,” said Henon, who created Philly Play in 2013. “These kids worked hard all summer — now they get to celebrate.”
The Summer Challenge featured a variety of skill stations, including basketball, football, yoga, Cross Fit, lacrosse, dance and martial arts.
Stations were staffed and sponsored by groups such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Snider Hockey Foundation, Philadelphia Spinners, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Soul, Cradle Lacrosse, Cross Fit Center City, Philly Jumping Jems, Eleone Dance Company, Greener Partners and NBA Math Hoops.
Councilman David Oh (R-at large) exhibited martial arts.
Philadelphia personalities such as the Phillie Phanatic, Swoop, the Eagles cheerleaders and former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter also stopped by to greet and play with attendees.
Philly Play sent a video to Michelle Obama, asking her to attend. The first lady, who is vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard, did not respond.
The day also included awards for attendees and a presentation of $1,000 to Vogt.
To learn more, visit www.phillyplay.org ••
Play time: Philly Play held a Summer Challenge at Vogt Playground on Aug. 13 to celebrate the final week of Philly Play summer programming. About 3,000 kids attended the daylong event, which included different play stations such as hula hooping, jump ropes, basketball, football, playground time and ground games. Representatives from the 76ers, Eagles and Phillies helped coach the kids.
Play time: Philly Play held a Summer Challenge at Vogt Playground on Aug. 13 to celebrate the final week of Philly Play summer programming. About 3,000 kids attended the daylong event, which included different play stations such as hula hooping, jump ropes, basketball, football, playground time and ground games. Representatives from the 76ers, Eagles and Phillies helped coach the kids.
Play time: Philly Play held a Summer Challenge at Vogt Playground on Aug. 13 to celebrate the final week of Philly Play summer programming. About 3,000 kids attended the daylong event, which included different play stations such as hula hooping, jump ropes, basketball, football, playground time and ground games. Representatives from the 76ers, Eagles and Phillies helped coach the kids.
Play time: Philly Play held a Summer Challenge at Vogt Playground on Aug. 13 to celebrate the final week of Philly Play summer programming. About 3,000 kids attended the daylong event, which included different play stations such as hula hooping, jump ropes, basketball, football, playground time and ground games. Representatives from the 76ers, Eagles and Phillies helped coach the kids.
