Long Beach Celebrates National Olympic and Paralympic Day with Youth Sports Festival at Houghton Park

Long Beach, CA ~ On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Houghton Park in Long Beach was filled with excitement as more than 600 youth from across the city gathered to celebrate National Olympic and Paralympic Day. The event was a high-energy celebration of sports, teamwork, and inspiration, as participants had the opportunity to connect with Olympians, Paralympians, and other professional athletes.

The event was organized by the City of Long Beach and hosted by Mayor Rex Richardson. In his statement, Mayor Richardson emphasized the importance of involving young people in the journey towards the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He stated that by investing in youth today, the city is building a lasting legacy that will extend well beyond 2028.

The day began with a festive Opening Ceremony and a parade of nations through the park. Participants were then able to experience a variety of Olympic and Paralympic sports through interactive clinics, games, and demonstrations. These activities were designed to promote physical activity, inclusion, and the Olympic and Paralympic spirit.

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Throughout the day, youth had the opportunity to try out different sports such as flag football, flag rugby, fencing with noodles, guided running, gymnastics, rowing, soccer, swimming simulation relays, track and field obstacle courses, volleyball, sitting volleyball, weightlifting, yoga and more. These activities were led by athletes, coaches and community partners.

The event also included a Closing Ceremony where several youth were recognized for embodying Olympic and Paralympic values such as Friendship,

Excellence,

Respect,

Inspiration,

Courage,

Equality,

and Determination. They received medals provided by LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Participants were recruited through Parks Recreation & Marine summer youth programs from various neighborhoods across Long Beach. The department provided transportation to ensure equitable access to the event. Additionally,the City provided complimentary lunch for all participants and other giveaways.

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Long Beach's National Olympic and Paralympic Day of Sport was one of over 100 sites across the country that activated on LA28's Day of Sport. The event was made possible by the City, Ready, Set, Gold!, Leadership Long Beach, Studio One Eleven, Arts Council for Long Beach, Gay for Good, Hidden Genius Project, Long Beach Utilities, LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Rams. Ready, Set, Gold! was sponsored for this event by West Coast Sports Associates.

As a Venue City for the LA28 Games, Long Beach will host 11 Olympic sporting events and seven Paralympic events. To stay updated on the city's preparations for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, visit longbeach.gov/2028games.

The 2028 Olympic Games will take place from July 14 to 30 and the Paralympic Games from August 15 to 27. Hosted by the City of Los Angeles, these games are expected to be a monumental event. More information about the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games is available at LA28.org.

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