LA28 Fuels the Future with a Week of Sport Celebrations for Youth Across Los Angeles
The Olympic and Paralympic Games 2028 engaged 3,200 young athletes across nearly 70 sites in Los Angeles County to celebrate Olympic and Paralympic Day
Los Angeles, CA (June 27, 2025) - Throughout the week of June 23, the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games commemorated Olympic and Paralympic Day with a series of youth sport activations across the Los Angeles region in partnership with several community partners including PlayLA, YMCA, LA Red Shield, San Fernando Boys & Girls Club, Angel City Sports and Venue Cities including Carson, Inglewood and Long Beach. This weeklong celebration engaged 3,200 young athletes between the ages of 6–17 at nearly 70 sites, all receiving LA28’s Gift of Sport donation including Nike sportswear and shoes.
“This week exemplifies what the LA28 Games are all about; uplifting our communities and creating pathways for young athletes right here at home," said LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman. “Through PlayLA, we’re not just providing access to sports, we’re investing in the future of our city through the next generation. With three years until Games time, there’s no better time to ensure every kid in our city discovers their potential through sport.”
The South Park Recreation Center in Los Angeles was one of nearly 70 sites that activated for LA28’s Day of Sport celebrations. This site welcomed 300 participants for a day filled with sport clinics including Basketball, Blind Football (Soccer), Cricket, Flag Football and Football (Soccer) amongst other activities. Athletes participated in a parade of nations and an Opening Ceremony emceed by KNBC’s Michelle Valles, featuring speakers including LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman, LA Councilmember Curren Price, LA Recreation and Parks General Manager Jimmy Kim and Team USA Olympian (1992) and former LA Galaxy soccer player Cobi Jones.
Throughout the event, 10 Olympians and Paralympians including LA28 Athlete Fellows took part in the festivities, joining kids in the sport activations and sharing their love of sports to inspire the next generation and continue to build excitement for the LA28 Games.
During the Closing Ceremony, 16 young athletes were nominated by supporting faculty to receive medals from LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson alongside Olympians and Paralympians for embodying core Olympic and Paralympic values of determination, inspiration, courage, friendship, excellence, respect and equality. To continue to encourage young athletes across LA and provide them with tools to follow their athletic pursuits, LA28 sent each participant home with LA28’s Gift of Sport donation including Nike sportswear and shoes.
To close out an incredible week of events, LA28 will join the 11th annual Angel City Games, a Paralympic and adaptive sport festival at El Camino College put on by Angel City Sports. Participants will also receive LA28’s Gift of Sport donation including LA28 bags, water bottles, ball pumps, socks and basketballs.
LA28 is investing up to $160M in youth sports through PlayLA, the single largest commitment to youth sports development in California history. PlayLA offers over 40 sports for kids between the ages of 3-17. Supported by the International Olympic Committee, this investment provides quality and affordable sports programming to youth across LA and is on track to impact over one million kids before 2026.
ABOUT THE LA28 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES
The LA28 Games will mark Los Angeles’ third time to host the Olympic Games, previously hosted in 1984 and 1932, and first time to host the Paralympic Games. Los Angeles will host the world’s most elite athletes in 2028 as it welcomes Paralympians and Olympians from around the world to compete on the biggest stage in sports. The LA28 Games are independently operated by a privately funded, non-profit organization with revenue from corporate partners, licensing agreements, hospitality and ticketing programs and a significant contribution from the International Olympic Committee.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS
Recreation and Parks provide affordable recreational, physical and cultural opportunities for all Los Angeles residents, with a focus on families, youth development and building healthy communities. The programs and services offered by the Department provide excellent value and quality, and emphasize the equitable distribution of resources throughout the City. Programs are offered in safe, attractive and well-maintained facilities that reflect the public's needs and interests. Visit laparks.org to learn more.
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