Youth Programs
Mayor Beverly O’Neill, as a lifelong educator, has made youth her priority. She is spearheading efforts to implement new and exciting initiatives in the schools including the connection between a healthy body and mind utilizing Olympic ideals, after-school recreation efforts in partnership with the faith community, and the annual GTE Teen Yellow Pages, a pocket-size teen directory aimed at disseminating information to the teens in Long Beach on a wide variety of topics. But that’s not all! Mayor O’Neill has a lot in store for the youth of Long Beach. Look for more to come in the future!

This spring Long Beach began the Mayors’ OlympiKids™ for Fitness pilot program (view photos of OlympiKids™ in action). The pilot was in 5 elementary schools in Long Beach serving over 500 kids. The program was incredibly successful. 4^th graders from throughout the City learned to stretch, take their pulse, studied a variety of muscles in the body, were taught to set goals and to keep active outside of school.

OlympiKids™ began when the United States Conference of Mayors and the United States Olympic Committee joined forces to help encourage America’s kids to become more active and healthy. OlympiKids™ is a non-competitive program that allows children to explore their own fitness levels with the assistance of teachers, parents and mentors. It further promotes the notion that children should set aside time to walk, run or wheel their way towards a healthier lifestyle. Parents and educators are encouraged to take part in these activities as a way to set a positive example for kids.

In partnership with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, we were fortunate enough to start this pilot program right here in Long Beach. The kids had so much fun. They received certificates, T-shirts and sports bottles for participating.

We congratulate this first round of OlympiKids™ and hope to have many more in the future.

We need volunteers to help with some of our efforts. The only requirement is your time, however much you can offer, and a love for kids! Contact us at (562) 570-6801 or via email at mayor@ci.long-beach.ca.us if you need more information.