Burbank parks staff outline adaptive-sports and fan-zone planning tied to FIFA 2026 and LA 2028
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Summary
Parks and Recreation staff described grants, clinics and partnerships positioning Burbank to host adaptive-sports events and related programming for FIFA 2026 and the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, including a $26,000 '26 champions' grant for adaptive soccer and a Real Madrid clinic at Burbank High School.
Edgar Manoukian, a parks department presenter, updated the board on preparations for FIFA 2026 and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and described steps the city is taking to expand adaptive and inclusive programming.
Manoukian said the department seeks to leverage major events to build long-term community benefits rather than start programs from scratch. He described participation in a regional planning meeting hosted by Los Angeles in October 2024, a coaches training grant for which the department reported selection (transcript text: '1000000 coaches training grant'), and recognition through a Play Equity Fund '26 Champions' grant that includes $26,000 and a professionally produced spotlight video to promote adaptive soccer programming.
Recent activities the department cited include hosting four coaches trainings with roughly 200 participants, a Real Madrid youth clinic for 75 participants at Burbank High School and a first power chair soccer match used to produce video highlights tied to the World Cup outreach. Manoukian said the department is coordinating with multiple city departments on site feasibility, operations, public safety and accessibility and is pursuing additional funding through LA28 and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
Board members praised the department’s adaptive-sports work and expressed support for continued outreach and coordination with community partners.