Tampa Parks & Recreation celebrates 30 years partnering with CANDO Sports, enhancing and expanding sports programs and activities for youth athletes across the city.
In honor of their 30th Anniversary, CANDO is donating $30,000 to Tampa Parks and Recreation for the development and continuing support of youth athletics.
Established in 1993, Children's Athletic Network & Dance Opportunities Inc., better known as CANDO Sports, offers quality, affordable sports opportunities to youth in the community. This successful partnership currently offers competitive programs in: Gymnastics, Dance, Basketball, Softball and Rowing.
A highlight of this partnership is the Tampa Gymnastics & Dance program hosted at our Wayne C. Papy and New Tampa Community Centers. The City of Tampa and CANDO will, once again, be hosting the AAU Gymnastics State Championships in April, bringing over 1600 athletes from around the state to the Tampa Convention Center.
In June, Tampa Parks and Recreation and CANDO will also host their Annual Dance Recital at the Straz. This event spans multiple days, showcases almost 800 performers, and traditionally sells out tickets to approximately 5,000 spectators for all five shows.
“Team sports serve as a powerful tool for imparting essential life skills,” Mayor Jane Castor said. “I take great pride in the partnership that exists between our Parks and Recreation Department and CANDO. It's our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to participate in sports and reap the benefits that come with it!”
The City of Tampa Gymnastics and Dance program offers classes for all ages and levels, ranging from mom and tot to recreational, developmental and competitive levels with over 2,500 youth enrolled at our two facilities: Wayne C. Papy Center and New Tampa Recreation Center.
The Parks and Recreation department is proud to partner with CANDO sports to give youth an affordable, competitive opportunity.
About CANDO Sports:
Established in 1993, Children's Athletic Network & Dance Opportunities Inc., better known as CANDO Sports, is a local non-profit organization created to provide affordable athletics and expanding opportunities for youth to excel. The Children's Athletic Network and Dance Opportunities Inc., in collaboration with the City of Tampa Parks & Recreation Department, provides affordable and quality sports opportunities for every youth to excel. CANDO Sports partners with the Tampa Parks & Recreation Department to enhance and expand the current sports programs and activities for youth athletes across the state through developmentally appropriate competition. Cando Sports offers equal opportunities to all minorities and underserved youth in the community, regardless of income or nationality.