WEST ADAMS — Thousands of children celebrated Play Day on the LA84 Foundation campus on Adams Boulevard June 28 taking part in a sprawling community street festival.
“It really warmed my heart to see the number of organizations, friends and colleagues (who participated) and answered the call,” said Renata Simril, president and CEO of the LA84 Foundation and president of the Play Equity Fund.
“The Play Day Block Party is more than a celebration — it’s a reminder of the power of play to reconnect us with our inner child and each other,” Simril added. “On the National Day of Play, we honor play not just as a childhood activity, but as a pathway to healing, belonging and joy.
“It’s a living legacy of the 1984 Summer Games and a testament to LA84 and the Play Equity Fund’s commitment to making sports and play accessible for all youth. We’re grateful to our partners and every participant who helped bring this spirit to life,” Simril said.
Those attending the celebration enjoyed music provided by the OzoKidz, Tiny Humanz Krew, U Neek, bb moves, Top Shelf Brass Band with Sierra Sellers and a drumline procession by the Drummers of Compton.
Mayor Karen Bass spoke about the importance of play.
City Councilwoman Heather Hutt also was on hand for the festivities.
“I am honored to have the return of the Play Day Block Party in Council District 10,” Hutt said. “The LA84 Foundation and the Play Equity Fund create a joyful experience of sport, play and movement for thousands of Angelenos of all ages capturing the spirit of unity that connects us all.”
“Play is an important element for us all,” county Supervisor Holly Mitchell said as she surveyed children frolicking in an oasis of soap bubble foam in the LA84 parking lot.
Eight of Los Angeles’ professional sports teams participated in the Play Day Block Party, including the Rams, Dodgers, LAFC, Angel City Football Club, Kings, Sparks, Galaxy and the Clippers. Mascots and cheer squads from many of the teams joined the celebration with LA84’s Sam the Eagle.
Children indulged in hopscotch, archery, street hockey, skateboarding, volleyball, double dutch jump rope, basketball, golf and other sports activities. They also enjoyed a variety of food from a dozen food trucks that included ice cream, Buffalo burgers, grilled vegetable and barbecue sandwiches, French fries and Asian wraps.
Dozens of youth crowded around the yellow Hoop Bus that touted the words “Spread Love,” hoping to sink baskets through a basketball hoop at the rear of the bus.
Eight year old J.R. Guzman revealed that Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors was his favorite basketball player, before he shot a basketball through the hoop. He said he was not surprised.
“When I practice (basketball) at home or at school, even when I miss a shot, I always keep trying until I make the basket,” he said.
Children and adults alike lined up to tee off at the Golf 61 Academy located at the Sandion Hills Golf Club. The club had traveled all the way from San Bernardino for the festivities.
Organizer Larry Shackelford shared some history about the 1961 ruling that abolished the segregation clause and allowed Blacks to make a living playing golf.
“Before 1961, the only jobs Blacks could get was as a caddy,” Shackleford said. “Many youths back then knew about golf because their fathers caddied on the golf courses.”
Shackleford said he is urging more Black and brown youth to get involved in golf in order to bring about more professional golf players.
Seven year old Jayceon Marshall adjusted his golf club, then leaned back and hit the golf ball, effortlessly making a hole in one.
“I knew I was going to make it. I had the perfect angle,” said Jayceon, who confessed that this was his first time playing golf. “I want to learn how to play,” he said.
As she waited to board the bus at the end of the event, 9-year-old Nahla Bias, who attends the Wilder School in Inglewood, said, “The whole day was a fun experience. You learned about teamwork and responsibility. I had fun and I will definitely be back next year.”
LA84 is the nonprofit established with profits from the 1984 Summer Olympic Games to promote sports, play and physical activity for youth.
On the Day of Play, a national network of 85 partners in 120 locations helped to promote sports and other activities for 20,000 kids across the country.
Shirley Hawkins is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers. She can be reached at shirleyhawkins700@gmail.com.
