The Los Angeles Post

Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell Calls for Citywide Adaptive Sports Program for All Ages

by ·

O’Farrell was instrumental in implementing the current “PlayLA” youth sports program for youth ages 5-17

LOS ANGELES, March 22, 2022 — Los Angeles City Council President Pro Tempore Mitch O’Farrell, a former competitive athlete, today introduced a motion calling for the development of a citywide adaptive sports program, building on his earlier work with the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) to launch the PlayLA youth sports program for Angelenos aged 5-17.

“I know firsthand how transformative access to sports and athletics can be,” said Councilmember O’Farrell. “I want to make sure that Angelenos of all physical abilities are able to fully use City recreational facilities and participate in sports programming across Los Angeles. Today, we’re moving one step closer to ensuring greater equity across our recreation system.”

“The Department of Recreation and Parks is committed to providing the best all-inclusive multi-sports programs for youth and families across the City.  We are incredibly thankful for the support of  Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and the entire City Council,” said Mike Shull, General Manager.  “This motion put forth will continue our work in improving our facilities’ infrastructure, ensuring our park system is accessible and provides an opportunity to create possibilities for a brighter future to every Angeleno. We look forward to partnering with the Department on Disability on our goal to increase participation in our adaptive sports programs.”

O’Farrell’s motion was co-presented by Councilmember Paul Krekorian. If approved by the full City Council, it will direct RAP and the Department on Disability (DOD) to develop a citywide adaptive sports program, including recommendations for physical accessibility infrastructure improvements to existing or emerging facilities, with a focus on the expansion of services to transitional age youth (18-24), adults, and older adults, including equipment, staffing, training or  other needs. The motion also instructs RAP and DOD to work with adaptive sports and accessibility advocate partners locally and across the country, reporting to Council with recommendations on the improvement of service delivery for adaptive sports citywide.

In an effort to make sports more accessible and affordable to children, in November 2021 the City launched the PlayLA youth sports program, a unique subsidized initiative made possible through a $160,000,000 contribution from the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee. The adaptive sports program, a key component of PlayLA, ensures every child aged 5-17 an opportunity to participate in low-cost, or no-cost, quality sports programming in their neighborhood. In 2022-23, programming for youth with physical disabilities will include: sitting volleyball, para equestrian, adaptive swimming, para surfing, wheelchair basketball, adaptive skateboarding, goalball, adaptive athletics, wheelchair tennis and para canoe. Sports being considered for future inclusion are: judo, archery, boccia, tee ball, and climbing.

“The American Amputee Soccer Association commends the City of Los Angeles for making this a priority,” said Dr. Eric Lamberg, President of the American Amputee Soccer Association and Head Coach of the U.S. National Amputee Soccer Team. “Athletes with all abilities should have a place to train, learn and play.  The regional team that is based in the Los Angeles area is excited to learn that they will have access to fields to develop the sport of Amputee Soccer.”