LA84 Foundation brings Play Day 2021 to L.A. Live
LOS ANGELES (August 28, 2021) – The LA84 Foundation and Play Equity Fund hosted the first annual Play Day event at L.A. Live to celebrate the importance of sport and play for kids. Youth participants from local community partner organizations attended the event on a sunny August morning and Lakers legend Michael Cooper emceed. The day was kicked off with words from LA84 Foundation President and CEO, Renata Simril. Michael Cooper and the Sparky, the Los Angeles Sparks mascot led a group dance before participants scattered to play at each booth. Each participant was given an activity card with a map at the start of the day. Children received stickers for visiting each station and completing each task listed on their card.
Participants took turns shooting hoops at Hoop Bus which was parked at the front of the venue in collaboration with the Los Angeles Sparks. The LA Kings’ outdoor street hockey booth tested the attendees aim. ACFC’s street team hosted a soccer challenge. LAFC’s falcon was available for photo opportunities. BOLA hosted a panna ko game. Attendees enjoyed an In ‘N Out lunch, snacks, and refreshments outside.
Inside the venue, a row of JOOLA Table Tennis tables was flanked by youth participants partaking in a friendly competition. The Los Angeles Chargers hosted a cornhole booth and distributed team products. The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Science of Sport both presented an activity on the Science of Baseball. There was also a rock, paper, and scissors station.
Inside the main ballroom, the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which focuses on adaptive sports set up sitting volleyball courts for all participants to play. Children slid across the floor to hit the volleyballs over the lowered net.
CROSSNET’s four-way volleyball nets were scattered across the venue floor. Children were leaping to make sure the volleyball’s cleared the top of the nets.
The No Easy Props dancefloor was surrounded by participants circling up to get a glimpse of the breakdancing lessons. Participants took turns exhibiting their moves in the center and were cheered on by the growing audience.
At the Sports Talk booth, young athletes shared their experiences and love of play on video (watch here). Participants reflected on the importance of play and wrote responses to questions including “Why is access to sport important?” and “Describe sport in one word” on large boards.
At the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation’s booth, children aimed practice golf balls at an inflatable target to test their putting skills.
Participants were challenged to kick and pass a football at the Los Angeles Rams’ inflatable goalpost booth. The Ram’s cheerleaders cheered on participants as they aimed for the goalpost.
Youth participants redeemed their completed activity card to receive a Nike duffel bag filled with Play Equity t-shirts, a basketball, a jump rope, socks, and other goodies. Female participants received Nike sports bras in collaboration with Angel City FC.
On social media, community partners and friends used #PlayDay21 to share their favorite ways to play. We appreciate our partners and the participants who made this a memorable day!