The state’s children need more games and sports – especially in the Interior and Central Valley – Daily News

INGLEWOOD — A statewide report found that nearly two-thirds of school-age children, particularly in the Central Valley, Inland Empire and far Northern California, are not meeting the federal guidelines related to physical activity, officials announced Friday.

At a state Senate Education Committee hearing Friday morning at SoFi Stadium, the LA84 Foundation released findings from its 2024 California Gaming Fairness Report, a study on the fairness of statewide gaming, youth participation and physical activity levels. National research company EVITARUS collected data for the report.

The report’s goal is to establish a new baseline for fair play, a concept aimed at ensuring that all children, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, zip code or socio-economic status economically, have access to play and physical activity, according to the LA84 Foundation.

According to the report, Californian youth are not moving enough. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that young people ages 6 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day, but more than two-thirds of children, or about 66 %, practice sports or others. activities.

Nearly 10% of young Californians are “never active”. Fewer than 2 in 5 children, or about 39 percent, receive daily physical education at school, the report said. Around 58% of parents surveyed were unaware that physical education was not fully funded in schools.

Physical activity rates are lowest among Latina and Black/African American girls, as well as Latino youth in general and children with disabilities. Young people with annual household incomes of $50,000 or less and those living in the Inland Empire also face similar challenges.

Over the past two years, about a third of youth sports participation has declined due to concerns about the cost of participation, some kids aren’t interested, and others may not have the time.

Parents who participated in the study say finances can be a barrier to their children’s sports participation. Nearly two-thirds, or about 63 percent, of parents said they struggle to afford costs associated with sports, such as equipment and uniforms, among other things.

“Sport, play and movement are essential to a child’s physical, emotional, social and academic development. Disparities in access to gaming can perpetuate and exacerbate existing inequalities,” Renata Simril, president and CEO of the LA84 Foundation, said in a statement.

“The Play Equity 2024 report expands on the research that the LA84 Foundation has been conducting since 2016 in LA County,” Simril added. “It’s a roadmap that allows us to track progress in gaming and statewide movements now and in the future.”

Although challenges remain in encouraging youth participation in sports and physical activity, the report highlights two key findings for achieving this.

Organized sports and structured play can increase regular exercise levels in children. Young people who attend physical education every day or those who actively participate in at least one organized sport are more likely to move five times a week or more, according to the report.

Additionally, study participants expressed strong support for elected officials and the state to invest in more opportunities for sports and other physical activities.

“This report reminds us how essential play and movement are to the overall development of our children. In combination with academics, play, sports and physical activity, all play a vital role in fostering their physical, social and emotional growth,” Sen. Josh Newman, D-Fullerton, said in a statement.

Last year, Newman authored Senate Bill 291 aimed at ensuring a uniform standard for recess in California schools.

“The benefits of unstructured play and peer social interaction offered by recess are more important than ever,” Newman added.

Simril noted that with global sporting events coming to Southern California, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the state should take advantage of the economic opportunity to support sports and physical activities for young people.

Originally published: September 27, 2024 at 5:28 p.m.