LA84 Foundation

Today we had the pleasure of hosting the SoCal Grantmakers 2024 Fundamentals cohort to the LA84 Foundation campus! The Fundamentals cohort training includes visits to grantmaking organizations across LA, and our team had the opportunity to share insights on LA84's strategies and approach to grantmaking to advance sports-based youth development for all kids. Thank you to SoCal Grantmakers and these emerging leaders for bringing the energy this morning. 

On behalf of the LA84 Foundation, President & CEO Renata Simril accepted the Think Together Champion of Change award at an exciting evening at the Arts & Learning Conservatory. Our partnership with Think Together spans 15 years to bring expanded sports programs to enrich the educational experiences of middle school students across Southern California. “The work we do collectively is about creating safe harbors,” said Renata. “That’s what sport does. It builds a sense of belonging and affiliation. I’m deeply humbled to accept this honor on behalf of the LA84 Foundation, to work in partnership – and to see this impact.”

Democracy is a team sport and every vote counts! This Sunday, November 3, LA84 will be hosting a mobile vote center at our campus. Vote in person or drop off your ballot and snap a pic with Sam The Eagle! #VoteForIt

LA84 Foundation is thrilled to award $2M+ in grants to organizations expanding access to soccer, lacrosse, equestrian programs, and more for underserved youth. These funds will support after-school and weekend programs, ensuring every child has the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive! Read more about our 2024 slate of grants here: https://lnkd.in/geHrRBaj

When it comes to sports participation, too many Black and Latina students are being benched by systemic barriers and a lack of resources. It's time to draw up a game plan that ensures every athlete gets their shot. We need your help to make this comeback happen. Learn more and read the report at https://lnkd.in/ghTg4G6X

We were joined by a delegation of officials visiting from Paris, who were invited to Los Angeles by Mayor Karen Bass. Our visitors were welcomed by President & CEO Renata Simril, they viewed our Olympic collection and sports library, and finished with a meal on the sunny patio. 

The LA84 Foundation and Play Equity Fund conducted the first-ever statewide survey documenting the play equity crisis affecting our youth. The findings are alarming and puts our work into sharp focus: We must close the play equity gap by supporting our students and parents with the resources needed to ensure all of our kids can experience the benefits of play. Dive into the report, and let’s work together to level the playing field. https://lnkd.in/ghTg4G6X

LA84 was grateful to welcome Marie Sallois from the International Olympic Committee – IOC and Evan Unrau from PeacePlayers International to the LA84 Foundation campus. The visit was an opportunity to showcase the lasting impact of the 1984 Olympic Games and how its legacy has fueled our mission to expand youth sports and play throughout Southern California. Thank you for the insightful visit and conversation!

This past Friday, LA84 launched the 2024 California Play Equity Report. Presenting data and research from national research firm EVITARUS, the California Play Equity Report is the first-of-its-kind, shedding light on play equity, youth sports participation, and physical activity levels throughout California. Dive into the findings here: https://lnkd.in/ghTg4G6X To mark the report's release, we presented key findings at the California State Senate Education Committee Hearing at SoFi Stadium. Senators Josh Newman, Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, and Steven Bradford heard from panels of experts, LAUSD officials, youth sports advocates—including 5x NBA Champion Derek Fisher—who all spoke to the importance of the findings in the study and why expanded access to youth sports, play, and physical education are essentials for kids across the state. We look forward to using this data to further drive our advocacy efforts to get more kids in the game.

We had questions about our youth's ability to play in the state of California. We asked parents and students to tell us about their attitudes and experiences, challenges, and rewards. Their answers are eye-opening, and the mandate is clear: close the play equity gap. This Friday, September 27th, our 2024 California Play Equity Report goes live. Dig into the results with us.