Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC 5K kicks off Nickelodeon's 'Worldwide Day of Play' in Prospect Park

Thousands made it out to Prospect Park Saturday to take part in the 11th annual "Worldwide Day of Play," sponsored by Nickelodeon. The event featured more than 25 ways that children can stay active

News 12 Staff

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Sep 21, 2014, 2:44 AM

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Updated 3,841 days ago

Thousands made it out to Prospect Park Saturday to take part in the 11th annual "Worldwide Day of Play," sponsored by Nickelodeon.

The event featured more than 25 ways that children can stay active and fit, including hula-hooping and basketball.

Nickelodeon invited former New York Knicks legend Larry Johnson, along with other NBA and NFL players, to the event to impart the importance of physical fitness onto kids.

Cast members from the Nickelodeon shows "Instant Mom" and "The Thundermans" also came out to play.

Nickelodeon says it hopes to bring its play day back to Prospect Park next year, which would mark its third time there.

Before the "Worldwide Day of Play" began, a 5K race for Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC helped kick the celebration off.

Thousands also participated in the run, which managed to raise $1.2 million -- a program record.

Members say they are absolutely thrilled by the day's turnout and support, which will help the children in the program tremendously.

RBC is the race's biggest sponsor and says it was able to collect about $900,000 for the organization, which will go directly toward its mentoring program.