For Immediate Release

Health Plus – A Grand Slam With The Kids
Free Youth Little League Begins Enrollment

Media Inquiries:Kathryn Soman (718) 491-7493
Customer Inquiries: Marketing Department (888) 809-8009

New York, New York - April 10, 2006 — Once again,  managed care organization Health Plus, the Police Athletic League, and the City of New York’s  Parks & Recreation Department are teaming up to present the 2006 Health Plus Citywide Youth Baseball League, a free program for boys and girls ages 5 to 12, and boys only, ages 13-15.  Last year, over 1,400 young athletes participated on 98 teams in 13 parks throughout the city.  This year promises to draw an even bigger group of boys and girls. The free program runs from June 24th through the end of August. 

The June 24th opening game will mark the beginning of a competitive season that will conclude with the championship game, after which Roberto Clemente Jr. will present the winning team with the Roberto Clemente Cup.

“Health Plus is delighted to partner again with PAL and the Dept. of Recreation to give the children in our communities a chance to play ball,” says Luis Ramos, Health Plus Citywide Youth baseball League Organizer.  “We’re proud that our league provides so many children with healthy and fun summer recreation, while encouraging self esteem and keeping them off the streets. And we encourage all parents and guardians to volunteer their time to help make their child’s little league experience the best it can be.”

In order to enroll, you must bring a copy of your child’s or teen’s birth certificate and a recent proof of address (gas, light or phone bill as proof of residence).  If your child or teen has a medical issue, please ask their physician to provide a consent release form.

Enrollment dates are Saturdays, April 15, 22, & 29. Parents should call their r prospective league for enrollment times. (See list below.)

Manhattan: 

J. Hood Wright Recreation Center
351 Ft Washington Avenue
New York, NY 10033
Telephone: (212)927-1563
Contact persons: Orlando Sanders/Dejon Williams
  
Brooklyn: 

Metropolitan Pool Recreation Center
261 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Telephone: (718)599-5707
Contact person: Don Hayes
  
H. Von King Recreation Center
670 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11221
Telephone: (718)622-2082
Contact person: Limuel Mial
  
St Johns Recreation Center
1251 Prospect Place (between Troy & Schenectady Ave.)
Brooklyn, NY 11213
Telephone: (718)771-2787
Contact persons: Lloyd McCorey/Edwin Llopiz
  
Brownsville Recreation Center
1555 Linden Blvd
Brooklyn, NY 11212
Telephone: (718)485-4633 or (718)345-2706
Contact person: Darryl Glenn

Redhook Recreation Center
155 Bay Street (Between Clinton & Henry Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Telephone: (718)722-3211
Contact person: Joe Jones

Sunset Recreation Center
43rd Street & 44th Street and 7th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11220
Telephone: (718)965-6533
Contact person: Vernetta Diggs/Al Quezada 

Health Plus Office
241 37th Street Suite 412
Brooklyn, NY 11232
Telephone: (718)491-7429/8357
Contact persons:Luis Ramos & Daniel Ostolaza

Queens: 

Sorrentino Recreation Center
1848 Cornaga Avenue & Beach 19th Street
Far-Rockaway, NY 11691
Telephone: (718)471-4818
Contact person: Bernard Robinson
  
Bronx:  

St Mary’s Recreation Center
450 E. 145th Street & St. Ann Avenue
Bronx, NY 10455
Telephone: (718)430-4655
Contact person: Hugo Chance

St James’s Recreation Center
2530 Jerome Avenue & E. 192nd Street
Bronx, NY 10468
Telephone: (718) 430-4655
Contact person: Hugo Chance

Staten Island: Cromwell Center
Pier 6 and Hannah Street
Staten Island, NY 10301
Telephone: (718) 390-8020
Contact person: Mary Cali/Joe Mione


Baseball begins on June 24th for all league.

 



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Health Plus, a not-for-profit, multi-cultural organization, is one of the fastest growing managed care organizations in New York City. It was established in 1984 with a commitment to provide coordinated quality health care and improving access to health care for uninsured and underserved families. In its annual review of managed care plans, the New York State Department of Health ranked Health Plus as the top plan for quality in its 2002 and 2003 "Consumer's Guide to Medicaid Managed Care in New York City." Health Plus is New York City's leading provider of Child Health Plus, a New York State Department of Health program that offers parents FREE or low-cost health insurance for children under the age of 19. "CRAIN'S New York Business" magazine ranked Health Plus fifth among the largest health maintenance organizations in the New York area.