Sounders FC charitable arm and Storm partner with Bellevue, Wash.-based life insurer to provide the Midway community with a new mini pitch and basketball court in Des Moines, Wash.
Seattle Sounders FC’s charitable arm, RAVE Foundation, and the Seattle Storm have joined with Symetra Life Insurance Company to support and improve equitable access to physical activity for youth by renovating an under-utilized court surface at Midway Park in Des Moines into a new mini pitch and basketball court.
The multi-purpose recreation space is a donation to the community from RAVE Foundation and the Storm, with generous support from Symetra Life Insurance Company. Together, the trio is collaborating to invest in this new court intended for free play, meaning that the courts are unrentable by groups or teams, ensuring they remain open at all times for the communities they serve. Situated just east of Pac Highway in a green space desert, Midway Park provides a crucial safe place to play for nearby youth. The new dual soccer and basketball court will be free to all who visit and serves to inspire play and community pride.
“The Storm is committed to empowering youth to develop life-long wellness habits, and the first step to doing so is to remove barriers to play,” said Nate Silverman, Storm Sr. Vice President, Corporate Partnerships & Social Responsibility. “By teaming up with Symetra, RAVE and Sounders FC to renovate Midway Park, we are providing a place for the community to come together and play for years to come.”
In preparation for the renovation, students at Midway Elementary had the opportunity to contribute to the design of the new court’s soccer goals and basketball backboards as part of a virtual Goals & Hoops For Art event. Sounders FC Brand Ambassador and former player Brad Evans and Seattle Storm Associate Head Coach Noelle Quinn joined students as they put imaginations to paper in the art event, led by Midway Elementary Principal Debbie Ellis and Highline Public Schools teacher Marianne Schneeman. The artwork from students will be used to add bright and personal touches on Midway Park’s goals and hoop structures at the new court.
