The Project Play Summit 2024, hosted by the Aspen Institute, was the largest summit in the decade-old initiative’s history, with over 700 leaders registered. The event focused on children’s rights in sports and increasing youth sports participation.
Highlights:
Maryland Becomes First State to Endorse Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports 🏆
- Governor Wes Moore announced Maryland’s endorsement of the framework, recognizing all youth’s right to develop through sports.
- Moore plans to leverage sports access to address childhood poverty in the state.
Aspen Institute Targets 63% Youth Sports Participation by 2030 🎯
- The institute aims to meet the Healthy People 2030 national public health goal of 63% youth participation.
- A national roundtable called 63X30 will convene organizations to take action and encourage sport sampling, revitalize leagues, train coaches, and ensure sports are fun for kids.
Cal Ripken Jr.: Reduce Pressure on Kids in Sports ⚾
- The Hall of Famer advises taking a step back, being patient, and letting kids develop skills over winning.
- He suggests avoiding post-game analysis immediately after and speaking to kids privately about feedback.
Baltimore Mayor Creates Sports Council 🏙️
- Mayor Brandon Scott announced the Charm City Sports Cabinet to promote play and include youth voices.
- Efforts aim to build systems to match the city’s incredible athletes.
World Cup Hosts Commit to Youth Legacy ⚽
- 2026 FIFA World Cup host committees of New York/New Jersey and Guadalajara, Mexico, endorsed the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports.
- The Child Rights and Sports Alliance will support host cities in implementing the bill of rights.
Under Armour CEO Challenges Support for High School Athletes 👟
- Kevin Plank urged replicating Under Armour’s Project Rampart model to support high school athletes.
- The company will bring the model to Washington, D.C., starting with a “State of Play” report in 2025.
Project Play Previews Colorado Initiative 🌄
- Project Play Colorado aims to increase sports participation for youth statewide from 54% to 63%.
- The coalition will track data, share best practices, influence policy, and provide thought leadership.
Via: Project Play
