What sports, activities are offered for kids in Merced County this summer?
The County of Merced provides a variety of opportunities for county youth to stay active and engaged this spring and summer. With programs ranging from baseball and flag football to swimming and track and field, there are many ways for youth to stay fit, enjoy sports and have fun.
Junior Giants Baseball
Merced County youth interested in learning the game while developing confidence, leadership, integrity and teamwork can sign up for the Junior Giants Baseball league. The program is offered in partnership with the San Francisco Giants Community Fund and no registration fee is required.
The league is open to ages 5-18, and players and volunteers interested in registering for the league can do so by visiting the County of Merced website.
Merced County Junior Olympics
Youth interested in competing in track and field events can do so this summer during the 79th Annual Merced County Junior Olympics. The competition includes track events, long jump, shot put, high jump, triple jump and discus throw.
The event is open ro elementary and middle school students in Merced County. Events will take place at noon April 16 and 17 at Merced Junior College. Additional information can be found on the Junior Olympics page at the County of Merced website. The event is sponsored by Merced County Parks and Recreation and the Merced Kiwanis Club.
Flag Football
The County of Merced has partnered with the San Francisco 49ers and U.S. Bank to offer prep flag football to Merced County youth free of charge. The program is designed to cultivate good sportsmanship, focus on character development, encourage academic achievement and promote both a positive and healthy attitude toward being physically active. The program is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 14.
Interested participants can sign up in person at the Winton Middle School gymnasium. The last day to sign up is April 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The program will start April 28. Additional information can be found on the flag football page on the County of Merced website.
Merced County Swim Leagues
Those interested in joining a swim league this summer can do so by registering for one of seven area swim teams that have been developed to encourage youth participation in the sport. The leagues usually begin around the last week of May. The recreation swim league is a non-competitive based program and therefore year-round swimmers are not allowed to participate. Anyone looking for a year-round program for youth should check with USA Swimming. League championships are expected to be held on July 19 and 20.
Anyone interested in signing up their child with the Merced County Swim League is encouraged to contact the individual teams for information. Sign-up dates and times vary by team. The seven area teams listed on the County of Merced website are the Atwater Sting Rays, Hilmar Hammerheads, Chowchilla Redfins, Dos Palos Dolphins, Los Banos Tiger Sharks, Firebaugh Area Swim Team and the Kerman Kickers.
Hooked on Fishing
A free fishing event open to those of all ages with mental or physical disabilities will be May 17 from 7 a.m. to noon at Scout Island, located at Lake Yosemite in Merced. The event is designed to allow disabled individuals the chance to experience the thrill and excitement of fishing and reeling in a catch. Volunteers and community organizations such as the Merced Fly Fishing Club and the Knights of Columbus help sponsor the event.
The county will also host a disabled military veterans fishing day at Scout Island from 7:30 a.m. to noon May 18. Both events will feature experienced anglers available to assist and any equipment needed will be provided for participant use.
Parks and Recreation Superintendent Michael Sanchez said that should participants choose to, they can keep up to five fish that they catch. Volunteers will assist in cleaning the fish and preparing them for transport. Sanchez said that just about every year a participant who has never caught a fish before will end up catching several.
“It just lights up my year, my month, my day, every time,” said Sanchez of seeing a participant catch a fish for the first time.
Sanchez said it brings back memories of when he caught his first fish or when his children caught their first fish.
“Just to hear the excitement, see the light in their eyes, they’re just full of joy,” said Sanchez. “Regardless of the size, they got one — they caught one for the first time. Everybody is smiling when they see that.”
Those interested in taking part in either of the events are required to register and can do so by contacting Sanchez at 209-385-7426 or email michael.sanchez@co.merced.ca.us.
Movies in the Park
Sanchez said that although there are currently no dates scheduled for public movie screenings in county parks, dates may be added this spring or summer. Check the County of Merced website for any added dates.