UCC to Host ‘Pass for Peace’ Sports Program for Newark Youth

NEWARK – United Community Corporation (UCC) aims to inspire positive social change across greater Newark by way of engaging youth in athletics for the agency’s upcoming “Pass For Peace” initiative.

The initiative, hosted by UCC’s Community Based Violence Intervention program, invites local youth ages 12 to 15 to join in fun, competitive activities while also highlighting the importance of fostering peace and togetherness in the community.

It will feature a 3-on-3 basketball tournament which will be held Oct. 25 at the West Side Park Community Center, located at 600 S. 17th St., from 4-6 p.m. In addition, UCC will host a flag football game Nov. 4., also to be held at the West Side Park Community Center and take place from 4-6 p.m.

“Our goal with these events is to create a space where our youth can come together and engage in friendly competition while learning about peace and unity,” said Christian Marsette, a UCC Juvenile Family Crisis Intervention Case Manager. “Basketball and football provide powerful opportunities for young people to build relationships, work as a team and see firsthand how sports can promote positive social change.”

The 3-on-3 basketball tournament is aimed at providing youth with the opportunity to compete for prizes, with teams going head-to-head in a friendly yet competitive environment. The flag football game will continue the spirit of peace through sports, as youth teams take to the field to showcase their football skills while promoting unity and teamwork.

In addition to the sports competitions, UCC teamed up with community partners to provide essential resources and support to youth and families in attendance.

“Our goal is to not only keep the youth engaged but also provide them and their families with the resources they need to thrive,” said Marsette. “We’re creating a platform where they can have fun, learn about peace and gain access to services that can make a real difference in their lives.”

Sponsors and partners for Pass For Peace include the Brick City Peace Collective, Newark Centers of Hope, Essex County, and the City of Newark Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery.

Registration for the program is free. People can register participants by contacting UCC at 973-642-0181 ext. 5446, or email christian.marsette@uccnewark.org. You can also sign up via the online link here: https://unitedcommunitycorpora...