In the lead-up to the Games, LA28 is engaging with communities to enhance affordable access to youth sports programs.
Partnering with the Los Angeles Department of Parks, the OCOG is delivering the PlayLA programme to ensure youth of all abilities have access to quality sports facilities and activities in their local neighbourhood.
The PlayLA programme is made possible by a USD 160 million (approx. EUR 150 million) commitment from LA28 and the IOC to youth sports in Los Angeles. The programme will:
- Provide sporting programs, classes and clinics throughout the school year. This will include Olympic sports to be featured in the Games such as surfing, skateboarding, football, judo, and tennis, as well as measures such as extended pool hours.
- Adaptive programs will be provided to include children of all abilities.
- Subsidise fees for low-income families.
- Provide training and tools to ensure the safety of all youth participants in sports and fitness programs.
- Donate sports and outdoor safety equipment to kids and childcare centres across the city.
PlayLA launched in November 2021, with sporting activities offered across the city. As of 2022, 90,000 children have enrolled in the program and increasing numbers of programmes are being made available. For example, in the 2022-23 school year PlayLA added several adaptive sports to its programming, including para-swim, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball, visually impaired and blind soccer, para-equestrian, sitting volleyball, adaptive skateboarding and para-surfing.
Source: Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee of Olympic and Paralympic Games
