Los Angeles is preparing to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games for a third time in 2028, a milestone shared by only two other cities worldwide. As preparations accelerate, officials are drawing lessons from the city’s previous successes – and the unique circumstances surrounding the 1984 games – to ensure a lasting positive impact on the community. A recent hearing of the California Assembly’s Select Committee on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, held at the LA84 Foundation offices, underscored the importance of building on past achievements and prioritizing community engagement.
The upcoming games present a significant opportunity for Los Angeles, but also approach with the responsibility of learning from both triumphs and challenges of Olympic history. The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics stand out as a particularly instructive case study, not only for being the first games to turn a profit without relying on taxpayer funds, but also for establishing a foundation for community sports development that continues to this day. This legacy, as highlighted by those involved, extends far beyond the televised sporting events and aims to inspire and empower individuals across all communities.
A Unique Bid Process in 1984
The path to securing the 1984 Olympics was, as described during the Assembly hearing, unusually straightforward. Following the tragic events at the 1972 Munich Games, where 11 Israeli athletes and officials were murdered by Palestinian terrorists, and the significant financial difficulties encountered during the 1976 Montreal Games – which resulted in a $1 billion deficit for Canada – interest in hosting the 1984 Olympics waned considerably. As reported by The Sports Examiner, Los Angeles ultimately found itself as the sole bidder.
Rich Perelman, with the LA84 Press Operations, explained to the committee that this unusual situation allowed Los Angeles to negotiate favorable terms and ultimately deliver a financially successful Games. Yet, the lasting impact of the 1984 Olympics extends far beyond the financial realm. The games spurred the creation of the LA84 Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting youth sports programs and promoting access to athletic opportunities throughout Southern California.
The LA84 Foundation: A Lasting Legacy
The LA84 Foundation has become a cornerstone of youth sports development in the region, providing funding, resources, and expertise to organizations working to increase participation in athletics. Its mission is to increase access to sports across communities, ensuring that young people have the opportunity to experience the benefits of physical activity, and competition. The foundation’s website details its various programs and initiatives, which range from providing grants to local sports organizations to conducting research on youth sports participation trends.
Derek Fisher, a five-time NBA champion and current board member of the LA84 Play Equity Fund, emphasized the importance of this work during his testimony before the Assembly committee. “How they’ve impacted LA for the last 40 years is not in the moments we see on TV,” Fisher stated. “It’s not just about trying to create more Olympic athletes or professional athletes. It’s really about inspiring young people to just follow their dreams.” He highlighted the role of the LA84 Foundation in providing resources and opportunities for young people to pursue their athletic aspirations, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Community Impact and Local Empowerment
The impact of the LA84 Foundation extends beyond simply providing funding for sports programs. The foundation also invests in initiatives that aim to address systemic barriers to participation in athletics, such as lack of access to facilities, transportation, and qualified coaching. Lemuel Rivera, a participant in an after-school sports program funded by the LA84 Foundation, shared his personal experience with the committee, illustrating the transformative power of these programs.
Rivera, from the Pico Union neighborhood of Los Angeles, explained how the program not only provided him with opportunities to play sports but also helped him develop valuable skills in kinesiology and coaching. “They allowed me to help people who don’t have the same benefits,” he said. “So they allowed me to help them, taught me a lot when it comes to kinesiology and also coaching.” Rivera expressed his excitement for the 2028 Games and his hope that more people from underserved communities will have the opportunity to engage with the Olympics, both as spectators and participants.
Fisher echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the require to ensure that the economic benefits of the 2028 Games are shared broadly throughout the community. “After the games are over, then what?” he asked. “How are the small businesses that are owned by a mom and dad or a grandma and grandpa, how are they positively impacted by these world-class events that are coming through our city and through our communities?” He stressed that the committee is focused on ensuring that the Games abandon a lasting positive legacy for all residents of Los Angeles.
Looking Ahead to 2028
The California Assembly’s Select Committee on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games is tasked with overseeing the preparations for the Games and ensuring that they are delivered in a fiscally responsible and socially equitable manner. The committee’s next hearing, scheduled for April 6 in Sacramento, will provide an overview of the LA 2028 plan. This hearing will be crucial in assessing the progress made and identifying any potential challenges that need to be addressed.
The success of the 2028 Games will depend not only on the logistical challenges of hosting a major international event but also on the ability to build on the legacy of the 1984 Games and create a lasting positive impact on the community. The LA84 Foundation’s commitment to youth sports development and community empowerment provides a strong foundation for achieving this goal. By prioritizing inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability, Los Angeles can ensure that the 2028 Olympics are a source of pride and opportunity for all.
The lessons learned from the 1984 Games, coupled with a renewed focus on community engagement, position Los Angeles to host a truly transformative Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028. The emphasis on leveraging the Games to uplift local businesses and provide opportunities for underserved communities demonstrates a commitment to creating a legacy that extends far beyond the sporting events themselves.
The committee’s continued oversight and the ongoing work of organizations like the LA84 Foundation will be essential in ensuring that the 2028 Games deliver on their promise of a brighter future for Los Angeles. Stay tuned for updates from the April 6th hearing in Sacramento as the planning process continues to unfold.
What are your thoughts on the legacy of the 1984 Olympics and the preparations for 2028? Share your comments below and join the conversation.
Related reading