JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Police Athletic League of Jacksonville (JaxPAL) held its first annual Eastside baseball camp Saturday morning, giving kids a chance to learn and grow in a positive way.
The neighborhood’s first-ever game was held at Flossie Brunson Park on the Eastside.
Karl Williams, who’s 8 years old, tested out his moves for the first. His mom and big sister were there to see him take it all in.
“It makes me feel real good because he has a lot of energy, and this is putting it to good use! It makes me feel real good,” Mystickol Williams, Karl’s mom, said.
Takira Williams was there for her little brother, but as a leader in JAX PAL’s youth program, she knows exactly what the mission is.
“I just love how they support everybody, and it’s a big family,” Takira said.
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Overall, more than 70 kids participated. For many, it was their first time picking up a bat or glove.
Most of the coaches there are off-duty police officers, giving them a chance to interact with these kids on a personal level.
Mary Bishop and Patrick Bryant helped put this all together.
“Absolutely, when kids have something to do, their attention is on that particular activity. Part of what Jax Pal does is build that relationship between youth and officers,” Bishop said.
Bryant said this baseball game means a lot to the Eastside neighborhood.
“We know that baseball, tee ball is something that we haven’t done in the past, so we’re excited,” Bryant said.
If anyone understands how sports, like baseball, can teach you about life, it’s Harold Craw. He’s the executive vice president and general manager of the Jumbo Shrimp.
“It builds character because you learn how to fail and continue to come back. In life, you’re always going to take a setback, but if you learn a lot of the characteristics out here on the field, you can take them into life,” Craw said.
The organizers said they’re already looking forward to next year’s camp.
Local children learning from law enforcement, building a Field of Dreams on Jacksonville’s Eastside.
To learn more about programs available through the Police Athletic League visit this website.
