LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Police are hoping basketball, boxing and fine food can be the keys to forging new ties between Louisville's officers and area kids.
City officials gathered Thursday morning to announce the new Louisville Metro Police Activities League.
The league aims to bring kids, police officers and communities together through a series of out-of-school activities, camps, clubs and sports. Initially, it will consist of a basketball program in partnership with the DELTA Foundation and A-One AllStars Inc, a boxing program in partnership with TKO Boxing and a culinary program in partnership with Chef Space.
The basketball league is scheduled to begin Feb. 5. A soccer league is also planned.
"Our Louisville Metro Police officers understand the importance of being active, involved members of our community," Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said. "Louisville Metro PAL creates a positive environment for young people and offices to interact, creating opportunities for mentorship and friendship in a safe, fun learning environment.
During the announcement, Fischer alluded to an encounter between 12-year-old Cassius Clay and Louisville Police Officer Joe Martin, in which Martin introduced young Cassius to boxing. Cassius would grow up to become the world champion boxer Muhammad Ali.
"We have to look no further than our own Muhammad Ali for an example of the good that comes from positive interactions between police and young people," Fischer said.
LMPD Chief Erika Shields said she was proud to be a part of the new program.
"It is crucial for LMPD to develop positive experiences with our youth," she said in a written statement. "The Louisville Metro Police Activities League will offer programs where officers and youth meet in an environment for both to learn and grow, an opportunity that I believe will be truly exceptional."
Anthony Howard, director of A-One AllStars Inc., said his organization is more than ready to get involved.
"When they reached out to me about bringing PAL back to Louisville, I was so excited because it meant we would have a great and established community partner that has been very successful in the past with engaging youth with creative programs," Howard said in a statement. "We are very excited about having our law enforcement teammates participating in activities side-by-side with our youth in the community and start to form a bond that will start to create positive relationships."
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