LA84 Foundation and Nike partner to renew 84 sites in Los Angeles

The LA84 Foundation and Nike announced a partnership today to commit $ 4 million to improve 84 youth sports facilities in Los Angeles. The LA84 Foundation and Nike share the vision of "unleashing the human potential through sport," and the goal of improving facilities so that youngsters have adequate and safe facilities to play sports.

This partnership is a key component of Nike's national Let Me Play initiative and the Foundation's Long Range Plan. The initiative encourages young people to improve their lives and communities through sport and play. As the official non-profit of the Los Angeles Let Me Play campaign, the LA84 Foundation has already received contributions from companies and the general public through Nike's fundraising events.

Superstar athletes Kobe Bryant, P-Rod and Serena Williams have joined the call for an expansion of safe youth sports facilities in Los Angeles area. Images of the three athletes have been painted on the wall of the Hotel Figueroa as part of the public awareness campaign. Bryant, P-Rod and Williams have used an online video to challenge youngsters to get involved in the campaign. Images of youth from the Hollenbeck Youth Center, the East Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club and the Salvation Army Red Shield who took up the challenge were added to the wall. This landmark wall served as the backdrop for today's press announcement.

The partnership will target both indoor and outdoor play areas. Non-profit organizations with existing youth sports programs may submit a proposal to the LA84 Foundation. The proposal must meet the LA84 Foundation Grantmaking Guidelines. These can be found at http://www.la84foundation.org/1gm/grant_frmst.htm

Among the sites that will be considered are Los Angeles Unified School District middle schools that participate in the LA84 Foundation/Beyond the Bell Middle School Sports Program. Other sites will be selected in consultation with Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks.

"Our combined efforts will lead to more and better facilities available for youngsters to play sports and live active lives," said LA84 Foundation President Anita L. DeFrantz. "This kind of commitment from Nike and star athletes should inspire other companies, celebrities and the general public to support this initiative. There is great need for play facilities in Los Angeles. We each need to do our part. Each day lost is an opportunity lost to benefit the children in our community."