PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia video game giant is teaming up with the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department for a unique marriage of their programming that’s all about expanding recreation for kids across the city.
Department Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell never thought the department would be teaming up with Nerd Street Gamers, the city's premier esports programmer which hosts a national network of esporting events.
“What we learned 10 times over and throughout the last 10 months of the pandemic is that we have to stay relevant and we have to be innovative and we have to adapt,” she explained.
Ott Lovell said they are starting this partnership with a six-week citywide video game basketball tournament that teens can compete in while socially distancing at home.
Things will eventually expand as kids get a chance to learn about a dive into the billion dollar business.
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“We are going to essentially be leveling the playing field for kids and families who deserve access to positive recreational activities, but also new technology in this booming industry,” Ott Lovell said.
She said the city wants to use this venture to help kids get their foot in the door with the video game giant, and hopefully, this could lead to other opportunities for them, such as internships or jobs.