ESPN, Disney Jr. partner with Chicago Park District, ABC7 for free 'Let Kids Play!' sports clinic

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A burst of music, cheering kids and an appearance by Mickey Mouse set the tone for a day of play as families gathered for "Let's Play Sports!," a free community event aimed at introducing young children to a variety of athletic activities.

Hosted by Disney Jr. and ESPN, in partnership with the Chicago Park District and ABC7 Chicago, the event welcomed children ages 3 to 7 to try sports including soccer, boxing, baseball and gymnastics.

It was held from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the ComEd Recreational Center, 1434 S. Loomis St., on Chicago's Near West Side.

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Organizers said the goal was to spark joy, build confidence and help families learn how to access youth sports programs.

Lisa Vasquez, senior manager of Disney Entertainment Corporate Social Responsibility, said the day captured the spirit of what the company hopes to inspire.

"Days like this are everything-its the reason I do this job for Disney- its really about taking the best of all that we have at Walt Disney, and igniting and inspiring and bringing joy to kids," she said.

Parents said the chance to get kids moving, and off screens, was a major draw.

"It brings out some athleticism in them. Some kids like to hide behind iPad or a phone. To have them active, it's great for them," said dad Deshaun Dotson.

Vasquez added that the event helps families understand how to get started.

"It introduces kids to sports in a Disney magical way & provides resources for parents so they know how to access sport," she said.

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For many families, cost can be a barrier to youth sports. Every Kid Sports, a nonprofit partner at the event, works to reduce those obstacles.

"Sports and the costs are rising year after year and kids are not getting to play. It's the number one barrier right now. So we're focused right there on the registration front," said Eleana Fanaika with Every Kid Sports.

ABC7 Chicago Vice President of Community Engagement Diana Palomar said the energy was contagious.

"To be able to bring sports and the importance of it to families and bring kids together," Palomar said. "This day has just been so much fun".

Vasquez said the response from families showed how meaningful the experience was.

"It's been so positive. The idea of Disney and Mickey showing up in community and being able to bring the joy there's been a positive response to that. Its so important to figure out how to support our kids and give them access to all thats going to make them the best they can be," Vasquez said.

Fanaika said watching kids open up was the best part.

"I want to bottle this up and take it with me. This is the most joy. Watching these kids try new things, some of them starting really shy and now you're seeing them open up and make new friends. Even their parents are part of the excitement too," Fanaika said.

As Mickey waved goodbye and kids wrapped up their final drills, the message of the day was clear: with a little magic - and a lot of play - everyone wins.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Disney Jr., ESPN and this ABC station.