Once again, schoolchildren in New York have been reminded that they are at the bottom of the priority list. Mayor Eric Adams has chosen to confiscate public ballfields on Randall’s Island to build a tent city for newly arrived migrant men, leaving city kids without essential physical activity during the school day. This decision has frustrated many parents, who feel that they were not given a fair opportunity to voice their concerns before construction began. However, a petition started by the Manhattan Soccer Club to preserve the ballfields has gained over 2,500 signatures from parents who are angry about this decision.
Despite the pleas from the Randall’s Island Park Alliance, who suggested finding an alternative space, the construction continues. This has left children’s sports leagues like the Manhattan Soccer Club and West Side Soccer League scrambling to salvage their fall season, which was scheduled to start in early September. It raises suspicions as to why Mayor Adams chose to begin construction in August, when many families are away, potentially to avoid facing resistance from even the most progressive New Yorkers.
According to the Randall’s Island Park Alliance, the construction will result in the cancellation of 3,000 hours of recreation for both public and private schoolchildren, as well as adult sports leagues. This includes my own daughters’ soccer games, which have provided them with physical activity, team engagement, and outdoor time. Unfortunately, urban public schools like theirs lack green spaces and resources for team sports, making the ballfields on Randall’s Island even more vital.
Behind every canceled hour of play are numerous children in New York City who are being denied the opportunity to engage in physical activity. These children have already experienced the effects of being locked down during the pandemic, which has led to increased rates of obesity, mental illness, and crime in the city. By prioritizing newly arrived adults over city kids, Mayor Adams is sending a message that they are less important.
I personally know that Mayor Adams understands the importance of kids’ sports. I was involved in organizing a rally in February 2021, where Adams joined parents and athletes in urging Mayor Bill de Blasio to reinstate public-school sports. At the rally, Adams emphasized that while the COVID virus may come and go, the impact on children from losing their sports will last a lifetime. It is disheartening to see him now taking away the season from these kids.
I have been advocating for the reinstatement of kids’ sports for the past three years, along with other parents, teachers, and coaches. In fact, I am currently producing a documentary on the effects of lockdowns on American children, with a focus on youth sports. One of the individuals featured in our film, Garrett “Bam” Morgan, lost out on a college football scholarship due to the shutdown of public-school athletics from 2020 to the fall of 2021. He perfectly summed up the importance of sports, stating that they provide kids with a support system and a sense of belonging.
I have witnessed firsthand how team sports have positively impacted my own children and their friends. I have also spoken with many others who attest to the essential nature of sports. Mayor Adams, I implore you to let our kids play. It is time to prioritize their well-being and give them the opportunity to participate in the activities that bring them joy and valuable life lessons. Natalya Murakhver, co-founder of the nonprofit Restore Childhood, is advocating for this cause.
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