New York Edge and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey host ceremony unveiling students’ artwork and step performance

New York, NY – February 20, 2020 – In honor of Black History Month, 70 middle school students from New York Edge – the largest provider of afterschool programming in the New York metropolitan region – presented an art exhibition and delivered a step performance during a special ceremony at LaGuardia Airport.

New York Edge students worked together to create and present a series of artwork inspired by African American culture, which will be on display in the Marine Terminal through the end of February. The program’s step teams also delivered a special performance that celebrated Black History Month and the organization’s ties to the Queens community.

“We are so proud to commemorate Black History Month with the Queens community through a unique exhibition created by our students,” said Rachael Gazdick, CEO of New York Edge. “Programs like this enable our students to hone their talents, discover their passions and expand their horizons. We are grateful to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for partnering with us to provide a platform for local students to express themselves, and we encourage the public to visit this wonderful artwork.”

During the ceremony, New York Edge CEO Rachael Gazdick presented a piece of artwork from the exhibit to Interim General Manager of LaGuardia Airport Tony Vero.

“LaGuardia Airport’s Marine Air Terminal is a little slice of aviation history, and we are delighted to continue its legacy with the help of New York Edge,” said Tony Vero, Interim General Manager of LaGuardia Airport. “We are proud to honor the individuals and the organizations who continue to celebrate and keep African American history alive in our community.”

For more than 25 years, New York Edge has addressed the needs and goals of under-resourced schools through customized, curriculum-based afterschool programming. Today, the nonprofit provides more than 40,000 students in grades K-12 with rigorous, innovative programs designed to give them the edge needed to succeed.

Brooklyn students, including 200 kids from elementary schools, will compete in the three versus three basketball tournament at the Aviator Sports and Event Center.

The tournament is held by nonprofit New York Edge, a provider of after-school activities… [read more]

On Wednesday, January 22, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez met with New York Edge students to speak about the importance of the PO2 After School Program.

NEW YORK, N.Y. — USA Team Handball today announced its partnership with New York Edge, the metropolitan region’s largest provider of afterschool programs dedicated to providing programs that improve academic performance, health and wellness, self-confidence, character and attitudes for success in life.

USA Team Handball will provide equipment, balls and training for coaches and teachers, as New York Edge will incorporate team handball into its afterschool and summer sports programs in which children can participate.

“We couldn’t be more excited to work with New York Edge to bring our sport to thousands of children and students in the city of New York,” said USA Team Handball CEO Barry Siff. “Handball is a sport that teaches a number of positive qualities and life skills to kids, and provides a bevy of opportunity if played well. I am looking forward to seeing more children playing handball and enjoying the friendships, experiences and memories gained as a result.”

For more than 25 years, New York Edge has addressed the needs and goals of under-resourced students through customized, curriculum-based afterschool programming. The nonprofit currently provides more than 40,000 students from over 100 sites in grades K-12 with rigorous, innovative programs designed to give them the edge needed to succeed.

“We are proud to partner with such an esteemed organization to introduce an exciting new program to our students,” said New York Edge CEO Rachael Gazdick. “It is our mission to empower the youth we serve to pursue healthy lifestyles, and we are confident this initiative will result in a greater interest in health and fitness.”

Within its sports and health and wellness programs, New York Edge organizes and runs clinics that empower its students to lead healthy, active lives. As an Olympic sport with low barrier to entry and equipment necessities, team handball will be integrated into these programs with ease while providing students and young athletes with a new opportunity and sport that they may not have been previously exposed to.

About New York Edge:

New York Edge, formerly known as the Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation (SASF), is a non-profit organization and the largest provider of afterschool programs in all five boroughs of New York City and the metropolitan region. With more than 40,000 students from over 300 programs in grades K-12, the organization provides under-resourced students with year-round programs to give them the edge needed to succeed. For more information, please visit newyorkedge.org

About USA Team Handball:

USA Team Handball (USATH) is the U.S. National Governing Body for the Olympic discipline of Team Handball, and is responsible for the development of grassroots programs, preparation of national teams for international competition – including the Pan American and Olympic Games – as well as the day-to-day oversight of the sport of team handball in the United States. The mission of USATH is to develop, promote, educate and grow the sport of team handball at all levels domestically, and to enable U.S. athletes to achieve sustained competitive excellence to win medals in international and Olympic competition. USATH is a member of the International Handball Federation, the North American and Caribbean Handball Confederation, and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information, please visit usateamhandball.org