On Feb. 22, more than 150 Police Athletic League (PAL) participants from PAL Centers throughout the city, including the Webster Center, competed in a fun-filled day of games and laughter at PAL’s annual Tournament of Champions event held at PAL’s Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica.
The citywide, all-STEAM event was comprised of 11 competition rounds, with participants competing in various challenges, ranging from math puzzles, engineering creativity and engaging in critical teamwork.
PAL participants in grades 5 through 8 worked within age groups and earned medals and ribbons in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) challenges including: Ping Pong Catapult – using two plastic cups, cardboard, and rubber bands to build a ball launch; Egg Drop Challenge – engineer, design and build a lander that protects a raw egg that’s dropped from a height; and Brain Teasing Math Problems – exercise brain power by working together to solve fun and challenging math puzzles.
“It was so wonderful to watch as our middle schoolers worked together to trouble shoot and problem solve the hands-on challenges that were placed before them,” said PAL Director of Program Development & Partnership Meredith Gray. “They showed us their creative minds and inventive practices – it was a joy to be a part of!”
The Tournament of Champions is an annual PAL event, fostering better understanding and relationships by bringing together young people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. PAL encourages youngsters to develop athletic and educational skills, and the sportsmanship qualities of discipline, fair play and healthy competition.
Founded in 1914, New York City’s Police Athletic League is a nonprofit organization that provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to 15,000 children and teens annually. For more information, please visit palnyc.org.
For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
