Purpose

P.L.A.Y International, Inc.(PLAY) believes that sport is a conduit for personal growth and cross-cultural understanding. Our mission is to provide enriching opportunities in sports, fostering international exposure and cultivating leadership, self-esteem, and teamwork skills. Additionally, we organize and facilitate a range of events and activities beyond sport, promoting holistic development among participants. 

Our Story

Founded in 2020 by Toni Burnett and Michaela Burnett, PLAY was born from a shared passion for basketball and a commitment to empowering youth through sports and education. Our journey began with a simple vision: to provide young athletes with the opportunities, resources, and support they need to succeed both on and off the court.

Over the years, we have expanded our programs to include not just basketball training, but also leadership workshops, cultural exposure tours, and educational initiatives. Our flagship event, the DC Exposure Tour, has grown to include participants from multiple schools in Guyana, offering them the chance to experience diverse cultural activities and gain valuable life skills.

We are proud of the impact we have made so far and are dedicated to continuing our mission to foster leadership, self-esteem, and teamwork among our participants.

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.