4 Queens PAL Centers 'Explore' Caribbean

Celeste (l.), age 10, and Leon, age 9, from the PAL P.S. 214 Center in Flushing, represent the islands of Antigua and Barbuda.

On August 13, more than 500 Police Athletic League

PAL) children ages eight to 10 gathered at Pelham Bay Park in The Bronx to celebrate and learn about the cultures of the Caribbean Islands. The event was the culmination of a summer long study, "Exploring the Caribbean", by the youngsters from 15 PAL centers throughout the five boroughs. Children from the PAL Edward Byrne Center in Jamaica, PAL Foster Laurie Center in Hollis, PAL Goldie Maple Academy Beacon in Arverne and PAL P.S. 214 Center in Flushing represented their assigned islands and participated in a variety of competitions. Children dressed in homemade costumes started the day with a colorful parade. Each center presented homemade banners and recited a cheer to introduce their island. Throughout the day, the children participated in a Knowledge Bowl competition, dance and musical performances, and shared the cultures and lifestyles of their assigned Caribbean Island with other PAL centers through interactive exhibits.

The Police Athletic League, founded in 1914, has been serving New York City's young people for more than 90 years. PAL provides recreational, educational, cultural, and social activities to tens of thousands of boys and girls annually. It is the city's largest, independent, nonprofit youth organization. For more information, visit www.palnyc.org.