Harlem Children's Zone CEO Runs At Armory

Renown educator Geoffrey Canada recently joined in on the fun at The Armory, cheering on and participating in the fifth-annual Harlem Children’s Zone Summer Games.

But then again, cheering on and participating is nothing new for Canada. His community activism, innovation and entrepreneurship landed him a spot on Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world for 2011. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan did the honors, writing:

When Canada, 59, started HCZ Project 14 years ago, it was a one-block pilot program. Today it covers 100 city blocks and serves 8,000 kids, providing not just a good education but also early-childhood programs, after-school services and guidance to help parents play a key role in their kids' learning. Every day, Canada is driven by a deep belief that all children can succeed, regardless of race, wealth or ZIP code.

Canada — also featured prominently in the award-winning documentary "Waiting For Superman" — is also fond of the values of health and wellness as those components have been at the core of the HCZ since its founding. The Summer Games featured two days of "fun competition" with 2,000 young children (ages 4-10) competing on Thursday (July 21) followed by the 11- to 18-year-olds on Friday.

Armory Track & Field Director and 1996 Olympic Gold medalist Derrick Adkins — who with Harlem Children’s Zone’s Malaika Lambert oversaw the Summer Games — had a chance to interview Canada not far from trackside. Canada extolled the virtues of track and field as a sport for everyone and gave insight to his athletic career back at Wyandanch Memorial High School on Long Island.

He also praised The Armory's New Balance Track & Field Center. "This is the nicest facility I have been in," he said, adding, "For the Harlem community, this is a real jewel."