BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, April 30, 2024) - Tonight, Mayor Brandon M. Scott joined Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises at the historic Y in Druid Hill to announce thirteen vendors working with City Schools this spring to help further expand middle school athletics – making City Schools a national leader in youth athletics opportunities.

This announcement comes on the heels of the school system’s announcement this fall that they are offering seven interscholastic athletic opportunities this school year for middle schoolers including cross country and flag football during the first quarter, indoor bocce and volleyball during quarter two, basketball during quarter three, and track and field and outdoor bocce during quarter four.

"We know that athletics can be a game changer for our young people, providing them life skills and a productive outlet and safe place to be after school,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “The benefit is doubled when it comes to things like swimming instruction, which can literally save a young person’s life. For years, partners like these have provided programming for our students, but never before has this programming been coordinated by the district to ensure it is available to students across the district. I could not be prouder to stand with City Schools for this expansion and partner with them in this journey to make our district a nationwide leader in Middle School athletics.”

"City Schools now has the most comprehensive middle school sports programming of any urban school district in this country," said Dr. Sonja Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Schools. “I want to thank all of our partners who are joining us in this work to promote supporting the whole student, including promoting physical activity, skill development, and overall well-being among students.”

Now, in quarter four, City Schools is expanding their offerings again through partnerships with the following organizations: 

• Baltimore Rowing 
• First Tee Golf
• Game On Fitness 
• Girls in the Game
• Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake
• Gooseneck Sports
• Harlem Lacrosse
• National Coalition of Women’s Athletics
• Soccer Without Borders
• SquashWise 
• The Little Leagues
• The Y in Central Maryland
• Whole Person Whole Life Sports

The Y in Central Maryland’s swimming pool, where Justice Thurgood Marshall learned to swim, was the backdrop for the announcement. After the announcement, the leaders observed students from Rosemont Elementary/Middle School learning to swim which is made possible due to the new partnerships. 

The expansion of middle school athletics programming reflects the commitment of Baltimore City Public Schools to support the whole child.