Interactive activations, mascot appearances and giveaways build on company’s ongoing District of Play youth sports initiative
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Credit: Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Washington, D.C. (April 17, 2025) –The Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics hosted a slate of interactive activations at today’s “Day of Play at RFK”, offering ample opportunities for community members of all ages to find enjoyment and engagement through playing sports. The event, hosted by Events DC, coincides with District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) spring break and offers children and adults the opportunity to participate in organized activities and sports.
During today’s event, young hockey fans participated in a street hockey experience hosted by Capitals Youth Hockey Development staff and got the chance to score Caps-branded prizes and giveaways. Wizards Youth Basketball Growth & Development staff also hosted a “Skills and Drills” station for future basketball stars to get hands-on learning opportunities, along with plenty of giveaways and prizes. Additionally, the Washington Mystics hosted Pop-A-Shot games and merch giveaways to further engage attendees.
Capitals mascot Slapshot and Wizards mascot G-Wiz surprised attendees with an appearance and meet-and-greet opportunity during MSE’s activations.
ABOUT DISTRICT OF PLAY
The Caps, Wizards and Mystics’ “Day of Play at RFK” activations build on Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s (MSE) larger District of Play youth sports initiative, a transformative multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment in expanding access to youth sports and building healthy, vibrant communities in Washington, D.C.
Launched in September 2024, the public-private partnership between Monumental Sports and the District to create a brand-new Capital One Arena included a robust Community Benefits component which Leonsis labeled “District of Play.” The program aims to create positive and accessible spaces for youth to play, grow, and develop lifelong skills in sports, all while engaging parents, coaches, and local communities.
MSE’s District of Play initiative recently completed the “District Dribble” campaign that delivered a new basketball to every PreK – 5th grade student at 80 DC Public Schools, totaling over 29,000 balls distributed.
Beginning last week, students and families across the District were invited to participate in the “Bounce Back” Photo Contest to encourage further fun through “District Dribble”. Community members are encouraged to submit photos of themselves using their “District Dribble” basketballs in action for a chance to win one of eight basketballs autographed by a winner-selected Washington Wizards or Mystics player. The contest is open now through 11:59 PM on May 28 with winners announced before May 31. Further information on the contest can be found here.
In addition to “District Dribble,” Monumental’s District of Play initiative includes dozens of commitments, including the below highlights. A full list can be found at www.monumentalsports.com/DistrictOfPlay.
- Building a new playground in each of D.C.’s 8 wards over the next 8 years
- Supporting youth sports programming and scholarships, including DPR Youth Basketball, Flag Star Football, and Fort Dupont Ice Arena’s Kids On Ice
- Investing in local coaching infrastructure through clinics and partnerships with organizations like the Positive Coaches Alliance
Thus far, District of Play has had a monumental impact on thousands across the region:
- MSE has expanded access to sports through Capitals Rink Pass, Wizards and Mystics Jr. NBA League support, and Flag Star Football scholarships
- MSE has strengthened DC’s coaching ecosystem with a free Coaches Workshop at Care First Arena, sponsoring USA Basketball licenses for 415 DCPS coaches, and sponsoring Flag Star’s sports business and leadership internship for high school and college athletes
- MSE is helping girls thrive in sports with events including a clinic at American University with the Women’s Sports Foundation, a professional panel at Jackson-Reed High School, and a basketball and mental health clinic at Anacostia High School
- MSE has helped build community connection through a 3v3 tournament at historic Barry Farm, Midnight Basketball in Ward 8, and a new playground at Huntwood Courts.
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