Monday, October 27th was an exciting and memorable day for the young members and staff of the Port of L.A. Boys & Girls Club, as they witnessed their hard work over the last two months result in a beautifully refurbished gymnasium floor and a visit from the Los Angeles Lakers! In attendance to help the unveil the newest safe play area in the San Pedro community were former Lakers James Worthy and A.C. Green, Lakers forward Julius Randle, and the Laker Girls.
In August, the Club was selected to be a finalist in the YOU Grant Court Refurbishment contest, with the winner determined through online voting by Lakers fans. Immediately, the Club’s young members and staff reached out to alumni, donors, the Board of Directors, and members of the community, encouraging them to vote for the Club. With nearly 63% of the votes, the Port of L.A. Boys & Girls Club won the contest funded by the Lakers Youth Foundation and the Active Alliance. It was the first collaboration between the two organizations to creating environments where children have access to safe areas to play and stay active.
The renovation project involved removing and replacing the existing underlayment, repairing damaged boards, stripping and sanding, and re-striping and finishing the two indoor basketball courts, which is used by over 250 youth a day. After the dedication ceremony, fifty Club members participated in a two-hour youth basketball clinic, learning basketball fundamentals and the importance of being mentally and physically fit from clinic instructors and Lakers Legends.
As a member of the Active Alliance, a partnership funded by the California Endowment and designed with HealthCorps to improve health in children through exercise, nutrition and education, the Lakers Youth Foundation is committed to creating safe environments for children to play and be active as well as providing children with free access to quality nutrition and fitness programs. Visit the Active Alliance website: www.theactivealliance.org.
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