Shaping Futures Through Sports, Arts, and Community
Our Story
Founded in 2020, PLAY International was born out of a shared passion to transform the lives of young people through the power of sports and the arts. Our journey began with a simple vision: to provide youth aged 12 to 19 with enriching opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and self-esteem while embracing cultural diversity.
Since then, we’ve grown into a dynamic organization that offers mentorship, community events, and international exposure to young athletes and artists. We believe that through these experiences, youth gain the tools to succeed both on and off the field, unlocking their potential to create a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
34
Lives Touched
Every Hand Helps Us Grow
30
Volunteers
Uniting Hearts and Actions
3
Annual Tours
Milestones of Hope and Change
Our Mission
At PLAY, we are committed to empowering youth through sports and the arts, providing opportunities that promote leadership, personal growth, and cross-cultural understanding. We work to equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in their communities and in life.
We envision a generation of confident, empowered youth who use their skills and experiences to drive positive change in their communities, fostering global connections and creating a more inclusive world.
Our Vision
In Memory of Toni Burnett
Toni Burnett was the heart and soul of PLAY and her sudden passing, March, 2024, at the age of 35, was a profound loss to us all. Her boundless energy, and unwavering dedication were the driving forces behind our organization. She had an extraordinary ability to connect with people, especially the youth, and she inspired everyone around her with her commitment and love for life.
In the early stages of the DC Exposure Tour, Toni wore many hats to ensure the success of the event. She wasn’t just a co-founder; she was a mentor, a leader, and a friend to all. Her hands-on approach saw her driving one of the buses, personally taking the kids to training sessions, events, and forging lifelong connections with them.
Toni believed deeply in the power of sports to transform lives. She saw sport as more than just a game; it was a vehicle for personal growth, and leadership development. Her vision was to provide young athletes with opportunities they might never have dreamed of, and she worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality.
To honor her memory and to keep her spirit alive, we have renamed our annual tour the Toni Burnett DC Exposure Tour. This event is a living testament to her dream and dedication. It embodies her belief in the potential of every young athlete and her commitment to providing enriching experiences that go beyond the basketball court.
At PLAY, we are committed to carrying forward Toni’s legacy with the same energy and love she brought to our goals and to her life. Her light continues to guide us as we strive to continue the work she started; to empower the next generation of leaders through sports and education.