EAST PROVIDENCE, RI –The City of East Providence has rolled out its second of multiple (American Rescue Plan Act) ARPA programs. The City rolled out the Ready, Set, Play! Program and has set a total allotment of $100,000 in ARPA funds for the program.
The basic objective of the Ready, Set, Play initiative will be to make youth sports more accessible to low/moderate-income residents covering registration costs, equipment costs, and any necessary professional development certification.
In an effort to combat the effects of COVID-19 the mental and physical strain it has placed on our youth and the record-high inflation around the country, the Ready, Set, Play! Initiative provides up to a $15,000 grant to youth sports organizations to expand access to members of the East Providence community. If an organization is approved for this funding they will be responsible for tracking, and reporting to the City of East Providence. Once an organization has been approved the money will be given in a phased approach providing 50 percent of the grant, then once tracking and reporting are completed the remainder of the funds will be released. “The cost of playing sports has risen each year and that has placed a strain on families – especially for households with low-income youth,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “We feel that any child who wishes to participate in sports should be able to, regardless of their family’s finances and Ready, Set, Play will ensure that every East Providence child has an opportunity to participate in youth sports.
”The services funded by the City of East Providence commenced in March 2023 and will be substantially completed by June 30, 2024. The City has placed greater emphasis on economic development and supporting organizations in our community. To do so, the City increased its planning workforce to work one-on-one with the small businesses and nonprofit organizations in our community.
This Ready, Set, Play! Initiative will continue that momentum. For more information on our Ready, Set, Play! Program please visit: https://eastprovidenceri.gov/ReadySetPlay
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