Penn Celebrates PAL Day at the Palestra

On Monday, February 20, 2017, the University of Pennsylvania Division of Public Safety and Penn Athletics hosted kids and teens from the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia during the annual PAL Day at the Palestra – a one day event held at Penn’s historic Palestra. The event involved 160 children in a fun, safe, and free fitness-based activity under the guidance of their coaches and mentors from the PAL Police Unit.  Maureen S. Rush, Vice President for Public Safety and Superintendent of Penn Police, spoke to the kids about the history of the Palestra and the many benefits of being a member of PAL. Ted Qualli, Executive Director, PAL of Philadelphia, also spoke to the students, highlighting the many activities that are available through PAL.

As an extension of PAL’s Fitz Dixon Basketball Program, PAL Day at the Palestra effectively helps PAL in broadening its reach beyond the program to serve a larger number of children, for more time. Through the PAL Day at the Palestra event, PAL, The University of Pennsylvania Division of Public Safety and Penn Athletics provide PAL’s Philadelphia youth constituency with a breathtaking day of basketball fun, fitness and enjoyable time spent with friends and peers.

More photos of the day on Flickr.

About PAL:

PAL is “Cops Helping Kids.” We aspire to be the premier youth-serving organization in the city, by reducing crime, promoting character development, and improving educational outcomes. We accomplish this by having Philadelphia Police Officers, supported by civilians, offer educational, athletic, and recreational programs to youth in some of the city’s highest crime and lowest income neighborhoods. PAL Centers are safe havens, offering a variety of free programs and other events to attract engage and develop more than 18,000 of Philadelphia’s youth.