The Redbud Classic is an Oklahoma City institution, but beyond offering family fitness fun, the event has raised more than half a million dollars for local nonprofit organizations since 1983. Each year the fitness event funds a different nonprofit and this year the benefactor will be the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League (OKC PAL). supports STUDENT ATHLETE SUCCESS 2020 Redbud
What is OKC PAL? In partnership with the Oklahoma City Police Department, OKC PAL provides athletic programs, leadership skills training and service opportunities to Oklahoma City Public Schools students. Nationally, PAL began in New York City and now has several hundred chapters throughout the country. “When PAL started in 1915, a police officer said we need a program that provides a safe place for kids to play and creates a good relationship between police and youth,” said Peter Evans, executive director of OKC PAL. “When kids are part of a team, they are held to higher standards of accountability, improving grades and actions and putting them on track to graduate.” OKC PAL operates in 13 OKCPS middle schools, offering basketball, cheer, football, volleyball and soccer, plus providing martial arts to middle school and elementary students at eight additional schools. Students practice at their respective schools after school and play games at the high schools they will eventually attend to ease transportation needs, cultivate school spirit and give students a glimpse of their futures playing high school sports. In addition to Evans, OKC PAL employs four full-time police officers who serve as mentors, visiting program schools, ensuring student athletes’ grades and behaviors meet program standards and serving as a source of affirmation and encouragement. “Our officers and coaches come in and help
kids with accountability, [encouraging them to] engage with their teachers,” said Evans. Knowing coaches and teammates are counting on them, student athletes often take the initiative to discuss with teachers how they can improve their grades. Evans says it’s not uncommon for students to turn Ds into Bs or Cs into As. “Some of our kids get a bad rap,” said Evans. “But we have fantastic kids who will absolutely run through a wall for you if you just show up and show them you care.” About five years ago, Evans says program leaders noticed participation in OKCPS athletics was in the 30th percentile, while the national participation rate was 55 percent. After an evaluation with district leaders, the team identified three key factors: facilities were in need of repair, the majority of kids in OKCPS didn’t have access to sports equipment and students had little to no foundation for sports. “Seventy to 90 percent of our kids are playing organized sports for the first time,” said Evans. By reevaluating its programs and developing its own sports leagues, OKC PAL can focus on teaching athletic fundamentals and building character among its students, with every adult involved, from referees to teachers in the classroom to concession stand volunteers, reinforcing those values. “Everyone is wrapping around to make sure these kids are getting the message consistently,” said Evans. “Sports is our fun
BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
10 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MARCH 2020
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