PAL History

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE POLICE ATHLECTIC LEAGUE

The Police Athletic League has a 50-year history in Buffalo. In 1994, PAL was reorganized and revitalized by Mayor Anthony Masiello and his wife, Kate, following his inauguration. Positive personal childhood experienced with the former Buffalo Police Athletic League's activities motivated the Mayor to provide these same kind of opportunities for the youth of our city; affordable, high quality, youth-oriented programs and activities.

The following year, the organization was reincorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agency.

In 1997, PAL hired its first Executive Director and served 2000 city youth. Today, the PAL collaborates with over 50 youth service agencies and community based organizations and has positively impacted over 20,000 youth from all areas of Western New York.

The Police Athletic League continues to focus on building strong athletic, cultural, social, and recreational opportunities for area youth and their families while adding age appropriate prevention and education components to each activity. This is accomplished through the collaboration of Buffalo Police, Parks, Recreation, and PAL employees. A Memorandum of Understanding, formulated in 1997, created the partnership within city government that allows this relationship to flourish. PAL staffers work alongside Recreation personnel to provide a seamless continuum of service.