History

Members of the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce established the LA Watts Summer Games in 1968 as a positive response to the Watts Riots of 1965. The Games were conceived in the belief that through better understanding and communication with each other, the youth of Los Angeles could hold the key to a society less burdened with racial tension. Over the program’s longstanding History & Timeline, close to 300,000 student-athletes from diverse social-economic backgrounds have participated in the Games — and has produced an impressive roster of Notable Alumni that make up 8 Olympians and 6 Hall of Fame recipients.  The Games has become a gathering place of cultures, ideas, philosophies and the realization that today’s youth can achieve common goals and reach greater heights through healthy competition.