The Greenway to Host East Boston Sports Day
The Friends of the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway will host East Boston Sports Day on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bremen Street Park.
This free community event will feature activities from New England sports organizations, including the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics Jr. League, Boston Bruins, New England Revolution, and more.
Meet team mascots, enjoy activities, collect giveaways, and learn about local East Boston youth sports programs.
“We are excited to bring a sports event to the Greenway that encourages youth to stay active, join local teams, and engage with the community. East Boston has so many incredible sports leagues and programs year round, it’s my goal to promote all that we have to offer for our youth,” said Event Coordinator Lisa Capogreco. “Having major league teams participate is a wonderful bonus for kids and families.”
Special guest Todd Angilly, the Boston Bruins’ national anthem singer, will perform the National Anthem to kick off the event.
The Friends of the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway thank the East Boston YMCA for its partnership and East Boston Foundation, Bluebikes, and Cappuccio Construction for their sponsorship support.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, contact [email protected].
ANNUAL PURPLE BOW
CAMPAIGN FOR OVERDOSE AWARENESS
KICKS OFF AUG. 20
The 5th annual Adopt-A-Pole for Overdose Awareness campaign will officially kick off on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 12 p.m. at Recovery on the Harbor, located at 979 Bennington St. in East Boston[cite: 1]. The event features a speaking program followed by bow distribution and placing bows along Bennington Street in East Boston and Broadway in Chelsea.
Between Aug. 20 and Aug. 31—which marks International Overdose Awareness Day—volunteers and recovery groups will tie 1,200 purple bows to poles and lamp posts across East Boston and surrounding communities[cite: 1]. Each bow bears a nametag honoring a loved one lost to overdose[cite: 1]. The bows will remain displayed through September in observance of Recovery Month.
Organized by North Suffolk Community Services alongside local partners, the initiative aims to raise awareness, end overdose, reduce stigma, and acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind.