Raytown wants to revitalize youth sports

Raytown school officials want to revitalize youth sports in their Jackson County community.

School district spokeswoman Cathy Allie said that even before the Raytown YMCA shut down last April, the community had lost two youth leagues.

“When the Y closed, it really brought the need to the forefront,” she said.

The next step is a youth sports rally at 6 p.m. Thursday, weather permitting, at Fun House Pizza, 9120 E. Missouri 350.

Among those speaking will be Raytown Superintendent Allan Markley and 1976 Raytown South High School graduate Mark McIntosh, who went on to become a sports announcer, motivational speaker and author.

“I know that a community that provides plenty of sports and activity opportunities for youth is a strong community,” Markley said in a news release. “We need a variety of things for our students to be involved in, but it cannot happen without community involvement.”

In the same news release, McIntosh described his Little League experience as “like having 30 sets of parents, all encouraging me.”

“I want all youth to feel that same support and to have the chance to participate,” McIntosh said.

No reservations are necessary for Thursday’s meeting, but those attending are advised to arrive early to get seats.

This story was originally published February 4, 2014 at 2:55 PM with the headline "Raytown wants to revitalize youth sports."