About Us
Origin Story
Discover the Heart of Young World Athletic Association
Founded in the summer of 1993, Young World Athletic Association emerged as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the youth in Harlem, New York. Conceived by a group of dedicated community members with a shared vision to uplift and empower the next generation, our journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: to save lives and nurture the potential of our youth.
Our humble beginnings saw us organizing basketball tournaments on the vibrant court at 129th and Saint Nicholas Terrace. Within a five-block radius encompassing neighborhoods like Saint Nicholas Terrace, Saint Nicholas Projects Housing, Manhattanville Housing Projects, Grant Housing Projects, and 3333 Housing Project, we identified and invited approximately 220 youth to participate in our transformative programs. Recognizing the financial challenges faced by parents in these communities, we selflessly invested our resources to kickstart a summer camp, providing essential supplies like t-shirts, basketballs, whistles, scoreboards, books, refreshments, and more.
The inaugural year of Young World Athletic Association witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 250 youth between the ages of 8 to 18 actively engaging in our initiatives. To foster team spirit and camaraderie, we purchased hundreds of white t-shirts, each adorned with our distinctive logo in a spectrum of colors, creating a sense of unity and identity among participants. Organizing tournaments across four divisions—ten and under, twelve and under, fifteen and under, and eighteen and under—we celebrated the talents and dedication of young athletes, culminating in a grand finale where trophies and awards were presented to honor their achievements.
Beyond athletic prowess, Young World also recognized academic excellence, instilling a culture of holistic development by acknowledging and rewarding the best students among our participants, a tradition that continues to inspire and motivate our community.
Join us at Young World Athletic Association, where every story, every triumph, and every dream is woven into the fabric of our collective journey towards a brighter, more promising future for our youth.