Sighted and visually impaired judo classes introduced as brand new sport;
Wheelchair tennis and para equestrian return to the lineup of spring adaptive sports

Los Angeles (May 8, 2024) —The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) PlayLA Adaptive Youth Sports Program kicked off its spring adaptive sports season, featuring the introduction of sighted and visually impaired judo classes and the return of wheelchair tennis clinics, supported by the Triumph Foundation, and para equestrian lessons, supported by Ride On.

For the first time, PlayLA added sighted and visually impaired judo to its diverse list of adaptive sports.  The classes are inclusive and open to youth ages 7 to 15 and have already received a high participant turnout, evenly balanced among sighted and visually impaired youths. The classes commenced on April 13 and will run every Saturday through June 1 at Martin Luther King Jr Recreation Center.

PlayLA Chief Operations Officer Austin Dumas said: “We are thrilled to have sighted and visually impaired judo classes be part of the PlayLA Adaptive Youth Sports Program’s spring season – bringing the total of adaptive sports offered so far to 10. Being able to host inclusive classes for youth of all abilities to participate together and share a passion for sport helps remove disability stigma and creates impactful friendships in our community. We are committed to continuing to create meaningful and inspiring opportunities for youth across the City of LA to participate in sport.”

PlayLA sighted and visually impaired judo coach Johnny Hoong said: “It is such an honor to support the City of LA’s PlayLA Adaptive Youth Sports Program and teach more youth the incredible sport of judo. Having these classes inclusive of both sighted and visually impaired youth showcases the ability of sport to bring people together. We are thrilled to help coach and inspire a new generation of judokas here in Los Angeles ahead of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Wheelchair tennis clinics, supported by the Triumph Foundation, will return to the spring lineup of adaptive sports for the third year, with the first clinic taking place on May 11 at Lake View Terrace Rec Center.  Wheelchair tennis was first introduced by PlayLA in summer 2022 and has continued to grow in popularity among youth participants. The clinics have been joined by two-time Paralympian and Parapan-American gold medalist Natália Mayara.

Para equestrian lessons, supported by Ride On, still continue to be one of PlayLA’s most popular adaptive sports, with a full roster of participants for each lesson. PlayLA will continue with weekly lessons through June 15 and host a special para equestrian clinic on June 29 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank.

PlayLA, made possible by an investment from the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee, provides quality, accessible adaptive sports programming to youth with disabilities across the City of Los Angeles, including para equestrian, adaptive archery, sitting volleyball, para surf and more.

More information and registration for adaptive sports can be found at adaptivesportsla.org.