EAST BATON ROUGE, La. – The Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation has started a project to expand access to recreational activities for all children in the Baton Rouge area.
The Foundation has partnered with the Aspen Institute to conduct research on youth sports through Aspen’s Project Play initiative. This initiative has already produced reports for 12 communities, offering insights that will be applied to Baton Rouge as well.
“The children of Baton Rouge, no matter their socio-economic status, deserve a chance to play the games they want and the lifetime of benefits that come with participating,” says Lori J. Bertman, CEO of the Irene W. and C .B. Pennington Foundation. “Investing in youth sports benefits the entire region by lowering obesity, fostering inclusivity, and enhancing the social and emotional well-being of all children.”
The Foundation has already granted hundreds of millions for improving health and well-being in Louisiana and the world. In the early 1980s, a $125 million donation from the Pennington’s funded LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a leader in obesity and nutrition research. Since then, The Foundation’s grants have helped to jumpstart Athletes for Hope, Girls on the Run Baton Rouge, Miracle League, and leveling the Playing Field.
The Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program has been contracted to delve deeply into sports and play in East Baton Rouge. A team of Aspen-affiliated researchers will examine census and demographic data, consult with social scientists and youth sports leaders, and conduct surveys and personal interviews with youth who participate in area sports, as well as those who wish to but are unable. The initiative is guided by an advisory group, which is chaired by Bertman.
The report by Aspen, an internationally known nonprofit, will feature survey results, 40 findings on strengths and gaps in providing access to sports, and recommendations for improvements, including a civic initiative. The project commenced in late August with an advisory group meeting organized by The Foundation. Representatives of local organizations shared their knowledge and insight about youth sports with Aspen researchers, which will be used to direct the report.
State of Play reports have sparked improvements in communities that have acted on them. As an example, Washington State now requires all schools to set aside 45 minutes each school day for physical education. Collectively, the reports have guided hundreds of millions of dollars in grant-making in State of Play communities. As well, several communities have formed active networks to advance play for children, focusing on children who are underserved and don’t have athletic facilities nearby.
“Baton Rouge is already a community with a deep passion for sports,” says Tom Farrey, Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program executive director. “We are thrilled to be working with the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation to better understand the opportunities and challenges for youth in East Baton Rouge Parish to access sports and physical activity. We look forward to working with people who work directly with children to develop recommendations for growing access to quality sports experiences for all youth.”
