LA84 Foundation: A Strong Advocate for Youth Sports and Community Engagement
LA84 Foundation Hosts Play Equity Summit Amid Youth Sports Challenges
The LA84 Foundation, a lasting legacy of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, continues to champion youth sports in Southern California, having invested over $250 million in cash grants to local organizations. Established with $93 million in profits from the Games, the foundation was envisioned by lead organizer Peter Ueberroth.
On Thursday, the foundation convened its eighth Play Equity Summit, dedicated to exploring barriers to youth sports access under the theme “Play Because it Matters.”
Renata Simril, CEO of the LA84 Foundation, emphasized the crucial role of community spaces, stating, “The most powerful stadiums in America are the school yard and the block on your street.” She voiced concerns about the increasing reliance on a pay-to-play model that has transformed youth sports into a $20 billion industry, often excluding many young athletes.
“The only P.E. that belongs in youth sports is play equity,” Simril asserted, urging attendees to “act and think differently” about the future of youth sports. She reflected on her own experience learning tennis on her neighborhood street and at a “cracked court” in Carson High.
Looking ahead, Simril pointed to the upcoming World Cup, Super Bowl, and Olympic Games in Los Angeles as a unique opportunity. “We have a generational opportunity to align the biggest moment in sports,” she stated, encouraging the establishment of enduring legacy programs focused on increasing partnerships and access.
“Purpose and profit can grow higher,” Simril remarked, highlighting the potential for meaningful investment in youth sports. She stressed the importance of participation, stating, “Play is how they become ready for life.”
This summit underscores a growing recognition of play equity as a vital component in promoting youth development through sports.
