Emanuel Announces Partnership With Nike For Summer Basketball Clinics

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Nike is kicking in some cash to help Chicago kids stay occupied this summer, reports WBBM's Mike Krauser.

Mayor Emanuel and Nike announced the partnership today for the Chi League Parks Saturday Basketball Skills Clinics at eight parks starting next Saturday.

"Keeping kids engaged with sport is important not only because it provides structured experiences but also because it keeps them active and active kids we know do better in life," said Chris Jones of Nike.

Mayor Emanuel says this program will keep kids off the streets.

'For our kids, who are really good kids, this was a chance to go somewhere and given the opportunity to do something right and play basketball because if we don't give our children that opportunity, who knows what will happen to them," said Emanuel.

The Chicago Park District will host the clinics at various parks, accommodating 100 to 150 kids each week, across an eight-week session. The schedule is:
June 15 – Ogden Park
June 22 – Jackson Park
June 29 – Fernwood Park
July 13 – Columbus Park
July 20 – Garfield Park
July 27 – Loyola Park
Aug. 3 – Franklin Park
Aug. 10 – Amundsen Park