Ballin’ 4 Peace Founder Haron Hargrave and NYPD’s LT. Michael Almonte help lead their respective teams into action on Sunday at Brooklyn Bridge Park for the 5th Annual Celebrity and Charity Flag Football Game, headlined by members of the NYPD, local hip-hop artists, entertainers, DJ’s, and social media influencers.
Since 2015, Haron Hargrave has planned and successfully hosted so many community-based sports and outreach events that the process has become second nature for the Queens native and former Sacramento State University standout guard. Regardless if it’s throwing the annual charity basketball game at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, bringing athletes and entertainers together for a bowling party, or hosting a flag football game, the result is always the same: a positive sports event that provides Ballin 4 Peace the needed platform to share their message throughout New York and across athletics.
But this isn’t any ordinary charity event and flag football game. This one is different. This one is needed.
On Sunday, Hargrave and the NYPD’s Lt. Michael Almonte hit the field for the 5th Annual Ballin’ 4 Peace Celebrity and Charity Flag Football Game (2:00 – 6:00pm) at Brooklyn Bridge Park, with the event including a “Back 2 School” supplies drive and free youth clinic (2:00-3:15pm) prior to the game, with music provided by DJ AllStar, the National Anthem by Ziina, and a live performance from recording artist, Nathaniel.
“We are extremely proud to host this celebrity and charity flag football game at Brooklyn Bridge Park and come together with Lt. Michael Almonte and the NYPD to spread peace through sports and hold our annual school supply drive for kids in New York who are getting ready to head back to school,” said Hargrave.
“This game wouldn’t be possible without the support of our celebrity football players, NYPD police officers, everyone at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and our friends at Wooter Apparel as our official jersey sponsor (for the fourth straight year). They continue to be the perfect brand to partner with in sports because they make your vision part of the process. Because of Wooter and vendors like Essentia Water, KMart, and the UpLife Foundation, we are looking forward to getting on the field and giving back this Sunday!”
Along with leading his flag football squad on Sunday at Brooklyn Bridge Park, NYPD Lt. Michael Almonte remains highly active around NYC serving as a mentor, coach, and inspiration to many young student-athletes.
“This event with Ballin’ 4 Peace is much needed during the current tension in the city and I believe we are the change agents destined to make a positive impact,” added Lt. Michael Almonte of the NYPD in partnering with Hargrave and Ballin’ 4 Peace.
In addition to Haron Hargrave and Lt. Michael Almonte of the NYPD, the game will feature hip-hop artist Yalee and Robbie Maxx, entertainer Big Dilf, Janae Music DC, Aziastar, Women’s pro basketball player Hannah O’Flynn, Jay Already Famous (Actor, Model, Personality, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, and more on Team Ballin’ 4 Peace, while Team NYPD will be well-represented by Guest Speaker Joe Nyce, Police Officers Michael Vera, Elias Statham, Inzerillo Rodriguez, Danny Davila, Frank Caravetto, Rosa Carucci, Krystopher Valentin, Jose Velez, Nicholas Ramirez, David Rodriguez, Daniel Ramos, George Moore, Sgt. Kenneth McNair, Abraham Christopher, and Vladimir Nathaniel.
Founded by Queens, New York native and former Sacramento State basketball and pro guard, Haron Hargrave in 2015, Ballin’ 4 Peace (B4P) is committed to raising awareness as related to acts of violence within NYC and beyond. B4P delivers an outlet to inner-city youth where they can interface with their favorite celebrities as they promote peace through sports. For the past six years, Hargrave has also hosted the annual celebrity and charity basketball game that’s included former NBA and WNBA players, along with a star-studded list of pro athletes, media personalities, social media influencers, and others.
Tickets for the 5th Annual Ballin’ 4 Peace Celebrity and Charity Flag Football Game can be purchased at the Ballin’ 4 Peace Eventbrite page or by connecting with Ballin’ 4 Peace on social media (Instagram and Twitter).