The Fort Myers Police Department's Police Athletic League has been awarded the "Best All Around Participating Chapter" in 2009 by the State of Florida Association of PAL. The award was presented at the Youth Director's Conference that was held Jan. 7-10 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The Fort Myers Chapter of PAL offers a variety of activities, including flag football, basketball, boxing, track and field, baseball, summer camp and a youth director's / mentoring program.

PAL is a not-for-profit organization serving 400+ youth annually by providing athletic, educational and social programs to boys and girls ages 8 to 17. The program supplies equipment, uniforms and transportation to participants at little or no cost.

PAL is supported primarily through donations. All coaches and volunteers are from the Fort Myers Police Department or the local community. PAL strives to provide role models, develop discipline, and instill self-esteem and foster positive values.