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LOS ANGELES — Marking three years until the 2028 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, Mayor Bass joined city leaders, LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover, Olympians and Paralympians and hundreds of youth at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum yesterday to announce that there have been more than one million enrollments in PlayLA – a program that offers youth and adaptive sports at a low cost for kids across L.A. Among the athletes who were present for the announcement was 17 year-old Paralympic silver medalist Arelle Middleton, who is a PlayLA alum. 

Play LA is operated by the Department of Recreation and Parks and funded by a $160 million investment from LA28 and the International Olympic Committee. The funding allows greater access to youth sports programming by providing enhanced sports programs and steeply discounted — and in some cases free — enrollment.   

“We’re exactly three years out from welcoming the world to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and already we have achieved an extraordinary legacy of youth development thanks to the Games,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “Just as children in parks today still benefit from the legacy of the 1984 Olympics, hundreds of thousands of families across the city have already benefited from the LA28 Games. Through PlayLA, the youth of Los Angeles have affordable, quality and inclusive sports programming. I want to thank LA28 and the International Olympic Committee for making these programs possible and for their continued work to host the greatest Games yet.”

“Experiencing the Olympic and Paralympic Games in-person is an unforgettable memory that will stick with you for life, but the tangible impact that PlayLA is having on thousands of kids across Los Angeles is a pre-Games legacy that extends beyond the framework of a major sporting event,” said Reynold Hoover LA28 Chief Executive Officer. “To have one million program enrollments in PlayLA in just five years – with three years still to go – speaks to the quality, availability and desire for youth sport and adaptive sport programming.”

“I’m proud of this milestone achievement for our department, it reflects our unwavering commitment to equity, access, and opportunity for all,” said Jimmy Kim, General Manager, Department of Recreation and Parks. “Thanks to the support of LA28 and the International Olympic Committee, we’re building healthier communities and expanding opportunities for every child to reach their full potential ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.”

PlayLA is one way that 2028 Games are supporting Mayor Bass’ vision of ensuring that Angelenos across the City benefit from the Games. Mayor Bass is committed to ensuring that this will be a “Games for All.” Through the PlayLA Youth & Adaptive Youth Sports Program, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks offers city-wide access to quality sports programming for youth of all abilities. Every L.A. City Recreation Center and Aquatic Center (Pool) offers PlayLA programming. With more than 40 different sport options, children across L.A. have an opportunity to thrive in their sport of choice. Young Angelenos can register at laparks.org/play-la. 

NIKE recently announced a milestone partnership with Special Olympics, promoting sport inclusivity during the Global Week of Inclusion. This collaboration potentially bolsters the company’s brand image, aligning with its longstanding community engagement. Over the last quarter, Nike’s share price experienced a significant 32% rise. While the market was largely mixed due to inflation concerns and tech sector rallies, Nike’s move might be partially supported by its commitment to social causes amid broader sector volatility. Additionally, despite challenging financial results and removal from key indices, the overall market uptrend could have facilitated Nike’s positive stock performance.

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Alongside the recent partnership with Special Olympics, Nike’s ongoing shift to sports performance products and digital integration could have a lasting effect on its revenue and earnings forecasts. The focus on sport performance aims to drive growth and reduce reliance on declining product lines, potentially enhancing future earnings. The company’s brand enhancement through these social initiatives supports long-term strategic goals by aligning with community values, but the revenue impact remains to be seen.

Over the past year, Nike recorded a modest total return of 3.49% including dividends, reflecting on-market performance despite challenging financial times. However, when compared to the US Luxury market, which saw greater returns of 5.2% in the past year, Nike has underperformed. Despite this, its 32% share price increase in the last quarter highlights investor confidence amidst a mixed market environment.

The current share price of US$72.25 is below the analyst consensus price target of US$76.02, indicating a perceived upside in market value. However, this aligns closely with the analyst consensus, reflecting varied perceptions of future performance. The anticipated growth includes revenue reaching US$50.5 billion and a potential uplift in profit margins. While Nike’s commitment to inclusivity is positive for brand image, translating this into substantial financial returns could take time. As Nike navigates macroeconomic uncertainties, its valuation and strategic pivots will be closely watched by the market.

Gain insights into NIKE’s past trends and performance with our report on the company’s historical track record.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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People who come from humble beginnings and succeed in their careers often go out of their way to serve young people who might need a boost.

For two-time NCAA basketball champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Carla McGhee, she gives back to today’s youth through free basketball clinics, which she hosts several times a year through an organization called Rise Above that aims to mentor and empower Native American youth.

McGhee said her two biggest passions are basketball and youth, so these camps are the perfect format for her to share knowledge and experience.

“Anytime I have an opportunity to pour into our youth and share some of my basketball experience, I’m raising my hand. I want in,” McGhee said. “I want other people to have that opportunity to experience change and understand that that’s possible.”

McGhee said her participation in Rise Above youth clinics has helped her learn more about Native American culture. Prior to hosting these camps, she did not realize how much appreciation the Native American community has for the game of basketball.

The one-day camps are split into two sessions and often have guest speakers. The morning session, which typically lasts about three to four hours, consists of a lot of drills and fundamentals. After lunch is when the kids have a chance to translate what they learned in the morning session into a game setting. Every kid goes home with a basketball and a T-shirt.

Aside from basketball instruction, McGhee places her focus on mental health due to the prevalence of self-harm in today’s world. She said she encourages the campers to reach out if they ever have a difficult day and are feeling hopeless.

Former Seattle SuperSonics guard Dale Ellis was a special guest attendee at Monday’s camp, maintaining a longtime habit of community service. During his career, Ellis created a foundation in Seattle to give back to the homeless.

“I love teaching. They inspire me. They give me energy. Being able to give these kids something I didn’t get when I was a kid makes me excited,” Ellis said. “Some of these kids, I understand the environment they are growing up in, and some of the challenges they face. It is important for someone like me who came from that same environment to give back and give these kids the understanding that you can rise above.”

Ellis had high praise for the Rise Above organization. He noted that while these camps are focused on Native Americans, it is a “beautiful thing” that everyone from kindergarten through high school is welcome to attend.

“What we’re doing is mentoring kids through the game of basketball. You grab their attention because of what you have been able to achieve. Then you are able to teach them more about life and teach them simple life skills,” Ellis said. “Rise Above is doing an excellent job. They have touched a lot of people’s minds and hearts. I don’t believe they understand how much they lift people up. It feels so fulfilling just to be involved.”

Creating opportunities can have a lasting effect on kids. The blueprint for one’s future is formed during their youth, and the influences they have could be a significant factor in their lives, he said.

“It means everything to me because without sports, I don’t know where I would be. I come from very humble beginnings, and I tell people all the time that piece of leather changed my life,” McGhee said. “It changed everything about me.”

Reflecting on her career, McGhee described that she had an attitude problem in her early years, citing an issue with being “lazy and entitled.” She said that her college coach, the legendary University of Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, taught her various important lessons about how to be accountable and respectful.

“You have to be respectful to the game before the game gives back to you. There is no ‘I’ in team,” McGhee said. “For me, when I bought into all that, the game became so much better, and I had more fun.”

McGhee hopes to have a similar impact on the camp participants as Summitt had on her. She tries to teach them how to give maximum effort and how to become better listeners.

Nine-year-old Marianna Haugen said her favorite part of the camp was the aspect of being a teammate. She did not previously know any of the other kids, but says she made a lot of good friends throughout the day.

As someone who strives to play basketball professionally, Haugen said the camp helped her stay in shape and become tougher.

Aryah Tofsrud, 12, says this was her first basketball camp that was specifically created for Native American kids. She hopes to be a professional basketball player, noting her favorite part of the camp was connecting with other kids and creating relationships.

“It is going to help me get stronger and grow a community around me that will help me grow those dreams,” Tofsrud said.

McGhee said she hopes kids at the camp will take away that nothing comes without practice. One of her favorite moments of each clinic is seeing the desire to improve and the progress that kids make throughout the day.

Thunder Youth Basketball is a series of summer camps put on by the Oklahoma City Thunder to grow the game of basketball across the state.

Tuesday, July 15th 2025, 12:57 pm

By:

Alyssa Miller

TULSA, Okla. –

The Oklahoma City Thunder is helping to develop the next generation of basketball players through its youth camps. The organization is hosting three different types of camps this summer in Tulsa: Hustle, Breakaway, and Crossover.

Grow the Game

The goal with each camp is to offer quality coaching of basketball development drills and inspire a love of the game in the next generation that goes beyond the court. Kids of all skill levels ages six to 16 can participate.

Camp Sign Ups

Registration is open for the Hustle Camp on July 25 at the WL Hutcherson Family YMCA in Tulsa and for the Crossover Camp August 2 at the Ascension St. John SportsPlex. To sign up for these and other camps visit the Thunder’s website.

They came. They saw. They conquered.

Never mind that they came from the smallest state and one of the smallest rowing centers in the nation. At the end of the day, having left some of America’s finest youth rowers in their wake, 10 young women from the Narragansett Boat Club in Providence stood atop the final standings as USRowing Youth National Champions.

Gold medalists.

And we’re talking serious competition here, folks, not some little regatta on the Seekonk River. Serious as in Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, site of U.S. Olympic Trials and World Championships on its 2,000-meter course.

Serious as in 4,000 high-school athletes and 1,000 coaches from 231 clubs from coast to coast and points in between.

Serious as in traditional powerhouses like the Los Gatos Rowing Club and Marin Rowing Association from California, and RowAmerica from Rye, N.Y. As in 5,000 spectators during the four-day regatta in mid-June. As in the 30th annual championships being the largest yet, according to USRowing.

The Narragansett Boat Club (NBC) qualified 27 rowers, the most in its history. And a long history it is. Founded in 1828, the NBC says it is the oldest rowing club in America.

NBC’s Women’s Youth Coxed Four and the Women’s Under-17 Coxed Four emerged as the best of the best, an NBC first. Plus, the Women’s Youth Four finished eighth. On the men’s side, the U17 Quad Sculls finished 9th and the Quad Sculls 12th.

Time out for a little rowing terminology: Coxed means with a coxswain, usually a small person, sitting in the back of the boat and shouting orders and encouragement. In a four-person boat, the cox sits in the front, steers and communicates through a headset. The stroke, usually the strongest rower, sets the pace. Sculls are boats in which the rowers pull on two oars each. Sweeps are boats in which each rower pulls on a single oar. Got all that?

Araminta “Minty” Gaitskell, a 2025 Lincoln School graduate, was the stroke on the Youth Coxed Four. She wasn’t brimming with confidence heading south.

“This was my first season sweeping, and our boat club as a whole is pretty new to sweeping. Going into nationals we were sort of considered the underdog,” she told me. Still, based on consistent top three results during the spring season, she and her teammates were hoping to reach the final.

Gianna Vigliotti, a Barrington High School grad rowing in the second seat, was more optimistic.

“We’ve had the privilege of being able to work together for the past four years. I’ve gotten to know them really well as athletes, so going into Sarasota I felt very confident. I trusted them a lot,” she said.

But after a pause, she added this: “I did not expect to win the A final.”

The rest of the boat included home-schooled Bailey Scott in the bow, Elsa Panagos of Wheeler School in the third seat and cox Tessa Adams of Wheeler. They studied — “stalked” as Vigliotti said with a laugh — the other 35 boats in their division and learned they would be racing against members of national teams.

“Intimidating, for sure,” Vigliotti said. “None of us have had the honor of competing at that high level.”

True enough, but they could dream.

“I definitely dreamed of winning,” Vigliotti said. As a freshman and sophomore she had a seat on second-place finishers.

“It was definitely exciting, and at the same time it definitely fueled a lot of power for me to be better in the future. Going into my senior nationals, I really wanted to make something really special happen,” Vigliotti said. “I think a lot of these girls felt the same way. Elsa Panagos came in second with me my sophomore year. So did Bailey Scott. I definitely think that it fueled the fire for more to come. I’m super happy to say that it did.”

After finishing fourth in the time trials and second in their semifinal heat, they started slowly in the final.

“I believe within the first minute or two of the race we were actually second-to-last out of the eight finalists,” Vigliotti said. “That definitely was challenging because you can’t see any of the boats that are ahead of you because obviously we’re facing backwards.”

They kicked the pace up a notch and slowly but surely passed the other seven boats. They finished in 7 minutes, 8.19 seconds, 1.2 seconds ahead of second-place Noble and Greenough School of Dedham, Mass.

Narragansett Boat Club

“It definitely makes winning sweeter when you cross the finish line and you can see everyone ahead of you and know that you were able to put down the fastest time of anyone on the racecourse and be the first one across the finish line,” Vigliotti said.

Rowing for these champions did not end that Sarasota Sunday. Vigliotti will head to the University of Virginia next month. Panagos is going to the University of Oklahoma. Tessa Adams will study and row for the University of Washington. Gaitskell is going to Harvard. Each was recruited to row.

Catherine Starr coaches these young women and was effusive in her praise.

“They are really special athletes,” she said “Every one of them is unique, and they come together to form a fast boat. Every person brings something to the mix and lights it up.”.

The champions in the U-17 boat will return to high school in September: cox Isabel Guerra to East Providence, stroke Madeleine Hardison to Barrington, second seat Molly DiGiacomo and third seat Maylie Conway also to Barrington, and bow Amelia Collins to Wheeler.

They were loaded with confidence in Sarasota. Three of them had rowed to a sixth-place finish in the 2024 nationals.

“We knew we could do better. We knew we could win,” Collins told me last week.

And they did, crossing the line in 7:21.54, 2.03 seconds ahead of TriStar Rowing from Louisville, Tenn.

Narragansett Boat Club

“We could see everyone else finish. That’s what’s awesome about rowing,” said Collins, a Barrington resident and rising junior at Wheeler.

This is NBC’s fun boat.

“Every one of them is a phenomenal athlete,” Starr said. “They’re little firecrackers. They’re a group of people who get excited about coming to practice.”

“Most of us live in Barrington, and we’ve grown close,” Collins said. “We try to do stuff together outside of practice. Team bonding. We come to practice to have fun and get faster.”

Starr told me their potential is great.

“If they set a goal, they can do anything they want. It’s their choice,” she said. “We’ll sit down and set some big goals. What scares us — and then go after it.”

The eighth-place Women’s Youth Four consisted of Halsey Hallenbeck of Providence Country Day, Constance Schmults of Moses Brown, Nicole Rainone of La Salle Academy, and Molly Hanratty of Barrington. They finished 22.39 seconds behind the Marin Rowing Association entry.

Enrik Attemann from Moses Brown, George and Danny Eid from La Salle and Johan Idris from Classical finished ninth in the Men’s U-17 Quad Sculls. Oskar and George Idris from Classical, Aiden Lynch from North Kingstown, and Matthew Doepper from La Salle finished 12th in Men’s Quad Sculls.

Reilly Hughes from Moses Brown, Nigel Fortes from East Providence, Colin Angert from Barrington and Enzo Sansone from Cranston West rowed in the Men’s Second Quad Sculls.

And Olivia Welch from La Salle, Maura Tehan from Bishop Feehan, and Emilia DiBernedini from Barrington competed in the Women’s Pair Coxed.

Starr offered this perfect description of the NBC’s 2025 Sarasota experience.

“It’s fun to work with people who want to go fast,” she said. “These athletes work hard. They’re really motivated.”