Movement Matters – Mental Health Convening

The Healing Power of Movement

The LA84 Foundation and the Play Equity Fund recently held an inspiring conference with thought leaders, athletes, public health officials, educators, students and youth sports advocates. We were joined by over 150 guests as we explored the benefits of sport and play to tackle the youth mental health crisis, which has grown since the pandemic. The convening was presented with support from Kaiser Permanente. Among those sharing their insight included:

• Jennifer Siebel Newsom, State of California First Partner
• Megan Bartlett, Founder of the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport,
• Violeta Ruiz, Principal of the Santee Education Complex
• Dr. Byron Young, County of Los Angeles Dept. of Mental Health
• Katelyn Ohashi, Retired UCLA gymnast and mental health advocate
• Simone Charley, Angel City Football Club player
• Julie Miller-Phipps, President, Southern California & Hawaii, Kaiser Permanente
• Dr. Diana Ramos, California Surgeon General

Dr. William Parham, Director of Mental Health & Wellness of the NBA Players Association

A highlight of the event was LA84 Foundation President & CEO Renata Simril introducing the “Play Day Proclamation” – defining the right of all kids to have access to the lifelong benefits of sport & play. “Our objective is to focus on the critical role that sport, play and movement have on mental and physical well-being. We proclaim all children have the right to play. I intentionally use the language of rights,” she said.

The LA84 Foundation and the Play Equity Fund have established June 24 as Play Day, a National Day of Play to celebrate the joy of playing together and our collective efforts to bring more sport & play opportunities to kids and communities.