This news update is brought to you by the City of Long Beach. To find out more about City programs, projects, initiatives and services, please visit longbeach.gov. To find events near you, please visit the City calendar at www.longbeach.gov/events. And follow us on social media @longbeachcity.
Long Beach Youth Experience the Olympic Spirit at National Day of Sport Celebration
By Staff Writer
Published on Wed, Jul 1, 2026
More than 600 youth from across Long Beach came together at Houghton Park to celebrate National Olympic and Paralympic Day of Sport through an action-packed day of athletics, teamwork and inspiration, building excitement for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Hosted by the City of Long Beach, Ready, Set, Gold! and Leadership Long Beach, the celebration introduced participants to the Olympic and Paralympic movement through interactive sports clinics, games and hands-on activities led by Olympians, Paralympians, professional athletes, coaches and community partners.
The day kicked off with a festive Opening Ceremony and parade of nations before youth rotated through a wide variety of Olympic and Paralympic-inspired activities. Participants tested their skills in flag football, flag rugby, fencing with noodles, guided running, gymnastics, rowing, soccer, swimming simulation relays, a track and field obstacle course, volleyball, sitting volleyball, weightlifting, yoga and other activities designed to promote physical activity, inclusion and the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The celebration concluded with a Closing Ceremony recognizing youth who demonstrated the core values of Friendship, Excellence, Respect, Inspiration, Courage, Equality and Determination. Honorees received commemorative medals provided by the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games in recognition of their leadership, sportsmanship and positive attitudes throughout the day.
Participants were recruited through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine's summer youth programs, representing neighborhoods across Long Beach. To help ensure equitable access, transportation was provided to and from the event, and every participant received a complimentary lunch and special giveaways.
Long Beach's celebration was one of more than 100 Day of Sport events held nationwide as part of LA28's National Olympic and Paralympic Day programming. The event was made possible through the support of numerous community partners, including Studio One Eleven, Arts Council for Long Beach, Gay for Good, Hidden Genius Project, Long Beach Utilities, LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Rams.
As a Venue City for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Long Beach will host 11 Olympic sporting events and seven Paralympic events in 2028. Events like National Olympic and Paralympic Day of Sport continue to build excitement while creating meaningful opportunities for local youth to experience the power of sport, celebrate inclusion and become part of the lasting legacy the Games will leave in Long Beach.
