FREE to BE Voices of Today Marcus Shoffner of Outdoor Inclusion Coalition La Liga del Barrio Helping future generations find belonging is what it’s all about. That’s why La Liga del Barrio was established in 2000. The organization is Philadelphia’s first Latino youth basketball team and offers programs in other sports like track and field to minorities all over the city in an effort to empower the state’s youngest community members. “For 25 years, La Liga del Barrio has been more than a basketball league — it’s been a lifeline for Latino and minority youth in Philadelphia,” says Raymond Alvarez, co-founder, CEO and president of La Liga. “Here at Liga, kids don’t just learn the game, they discover their potential, find mentors who believe in them and gain a second family.” La Liga del Barrio’s year-round programs have served some 10,000 kids in the City of Brotherly Love, where Alvarez hopes will be home to the organization’s first physical headquarters and gym in the future. He encourages visitors to come to experience the energy of the students for themselves. “To understand the heartbeat of Philly, you have to come to a La Liga game,” he says. “You will see leadership, pride, and resilience in every pass, every shot, every cheer from the stands full of parents that support all our youth.” Just as sports can provide a pathway to confidence and belonging, the outdoors can, too. That’s why Marcus Shoffner works to empower young people and families in Pittsburgh — this time through nature. Growing up, he found joy camping and paddling rivers, experiences that shaped his connection to nature. But when he moved to Pittsburgh, he saw stark disparities; while the city boasts three rivers and beloved regional parks, green spaces in predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods were often underfunded and underutilized. In 2019, he founded the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition (OIC) to address these inequities and advocate for inclusive access to recreation. Under Shoffner’s leadership, the OIC has become a powerful collective voice, working alongside residents, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies to influence park master plans, improve accessibility, and create toolkits for diversity and equity in outdoor organizations. The coalition also pushes for tangible changes, from multilingual park signage to transportation and trail accessibility, ensuring that everyone can feel welcome in public spaces. Through programs such as beginner-friendly backpacking trips, youth adventure camps, ski lessons, and BIPOC affinity climbing sessions, the OIC gives underrepresented communities the skills and confidence to enjoy the outdoors. Find upcoming events by checking out @outdoorinclusioncoalition on Instagram. From farms and parks to kitchens and community centers, Pennsylvanians continue to prove that freedom isn’t just a legacy of the past. It’s an ongoing pledge, renewed every day by those who dare to imagine a better future. 46 visitpa.com OUTDOOR INCLUSION COALITION; LA LIGA DEL BARRIO
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Travel Guide 2026: Page 46
