Mikaela Nadolski • June 14, 2021

Here’s Why Youth Sports Are Important in Fighting Racism

Organized sports encourage participation in physical fitness, improving the health and well-being of its participants.

We know that and we bet you do too, which is why it’s a part of our mission statement. But what if we told you that sports, especially youth sports, play a role in the fight against racism too? 


Studies have found that kindergarteners already begin to show bias, or favoritism, to groups of certain races. That means the discussion about racism and exposure to people of diverse backgrounds must happen at a young age. And this is where youth sports come into play. Keep reading for a few reasons why the California State Games emphasizes the importance of youth sports as well as its place in ending racism. 


Athletes have teammates from all backgrounds

There is a lot going on at any sporting event, to say the least! You’ve got your athletes, coaches, parents, teammates, mentors, officials, referees, umpires… you get where we’re going with this. This is all an opportunity for a young athlete to interact with people of many backgrounds and widen their circle of friends. Think about it: how many of us met one of our childhood best friends through sports?


Sports expose children to diverse coaches and officials

In addition to their teammates, young athletes have authority figures in their coaches, mentors, officials, and others. People from all backgrounds and cultures fill these roles, which exposes children to a range of diverse authority figures. Athletes build relationships with their coaches and learn to respect them. In addition, this challenges the negative attitudes they may have developed about other groups. 


Sports teach values in inclusive environments

Sports teach values like teamwork, character and respect, which is why the California State Games and other organizations so highly value them. But furthermore, it’s likely one of the first places where young athletes learn those values all the while working within a diverse environment. This sets them up to be more tolerant and accepting of people who are not like them. 

2026 Winter Games Sneak Peek

By Sakura Roberson • February 3, 2026
Winter Games Preview The 2026 California State Winter Games presented by National University is almost here! From the rink to the gym, we’re bringing the energy, excitement, and unforgettable experiences to the athletes coming in from all over California to compete in the Games. Ice Hockey | February 13–16 Location: Multiple Rinks in San Diego Ice hockey kicks off the Winter Games action from February 13–16, featuring youth divisions and high-level USA Hockey sanctioned competition all weekend long. Teams will battle it out on the ice for gold, silver, and bronze medals, with first, second, and third place awards presented in each division. But the excitement doesn’t stop with the final buzzer… Torch Ceremony | February 14 Location: Pechanga Arena Hockey athletes can participate in our ceremonial torch lighting ceremony, one of the most iconic California State Games traditions. Athletes line up on the ice and experience the lighting of the cauldron, creating a truly unforgettable Winter Games moment. The celebration continues after the torch lighting, with a tailgate hosted by the San Diego Gulls, capped off with watching San Diego’s AHL team take the ice for their game against the Bakersfield Condors. It’s a can’t-miss night of hockey and community for athletes and families alike.  Figure Skating | March 7–8 Location: San Diego Ice Arena Figure skating takes center stage on March 7–8 at the San Diego Ice Arena, showcasing grace, athleticism, and artistry on the ice. In step with a true Olympic-style experience, gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to the first, second, and third place skaters in each division. First Ever After Party | March 8 After the competition wraps up on Saturday, March 8, skaters are invited to our first ever Figure Skating After Party from 2–5 PM at Ringers Roller Rink - and yes, athletes get in FREE! The after party includes roller skating, games, music, and a chance to celebrate with fellow athletes. It’s the perfect way to end an amazing weekend of competition! Gymnastics | March 7–8 Location: Toby Wells YMCA Gymnastics returns to the Winter Games on March 7–8 at the Toby Wells YMCA, featuring talented athletes across divisions competing in this USA Gymnastics sanctioned event. Free Athlete Gift All gymnasts receive a free California State Games leotard commemorating their competition experience. Epic Winter Incoming Between the thrilling competition, medals, ceremonies, tailgates, and celebrations, the California State Winter Games presented by National University is shaping up to be one you won’t want to miss. We can’t wait to welcome our athletes, families, and fans for another unforgettable California State Games season. See you at Winter Games!

California State Games is Part of Something Bigger

By Sakura Roberson • December 10, 2025
The California State Games (CSG) has been the state’s largest amateur-sports festival since 1988, offering a “Olympic-style” experience for amateur athletes across California. Following the retirement of the California State Games’ founding Executive Director Sandi Hill, who served in the role for 35 years, Sports San Diego assumed management of the CSG in 2023. What is Sports San Diego? Sports San Diego is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) with a purpose to drive visitor demand to economically benefit the San Diego region through producing the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl, Rady Children’s Invitational, and California State Games and recruiting, supporting, and hosting world-class sports events. How did Sports San Diego Start? The Trust & Will Holiday Bowl is college football bowl game hosted annually San Diego since 1978. Since its inaugural edition on December 22, 1978, at the former San Diego Stadium, when the BYU Cougars faced the Navy Midshipmen, the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl has become a major fixture in the college football postseason calendar. Since its launch, the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl, originally produced by the San Diego Bowl Game Association which evolved into Sports San Diego, has created immense economic value for the region, generating more than $1 billion in impact for San Diego. In 2023, the San Diego Bowl Game Association officially rebranded as Sports San Diego to reflect its broader mission: not only producing the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl, but producing events like the Rady Children’s Invitational and the California State Games and functioning as the region’s sports commission. Part of Something Bigger The integration of the California State Games under Sports San Diego highlights the organization’s ongoing commitment to promoting sports, tourism, and community engagement throughout the region. Sports San Diego has become a driving force for athletic excellence and economic growth, positioning the city as a premier destination for world-class sporting events. By uniting athletes, fans, and communities, it strengthens San Diego’s identity while supporting tourism and creating lasting experiences.

From Ice to Arena: The 2026 California State Games Opening Ceremonies at the Gulls Global Games Night

By Sakura Roberson • October 22, 2025
The California Winter Games Youth Ice Hockey Tournament is Back! This upcoming President’s Day Weekend, February 13–16 , the California Winter Games will welcome over 80 youth ice hockey teams to arenas across San Diego. Get ready for action-packed competition on the ice, with the next-level experience of Opening Ceremonies at the San Diego Gulls AHL game on February 14 th . “I love to see the looks on the kids’ faces when they get to the front of the line and they see the whole ice for the first time.” Says Bill Foltz, Manager of Group and Inside Sales at the San Diego Gulls. “Not to mention the smiles and looks of awe as they pass the torch around and see the big torch get lit.” The San Diego Gulls have been longtime partners of the California Winter Games ice hockey tournament, hosting the annual Torch Lighting Ceremony for the past four years. What to expect at our premier youth ice hockey tournament: Competitive matchups for all levels Gold, silver, and bronze medals for 1 st -3 rd placing teams A chance to participate in the Torch Lighting Ceremony at Opening Ceremonies An exclusive invite to Gulls Global Games Night Gulls Global Games Night: February 14 th at Pechanga Arena Registered teams are invited to take part in a night of celebration, hockey, and community spirit at Pechanga Arena in San Diego! Here’s what’s in store: Torch Lighting Ceremony Step onto the ice and witness the ceremonial lighting of the torch and cauldron, a symbolic kickoff to the Games. Teams will line up on the ice for this unforgettable Olympic-style moment. Tailgate Party – 4:00 PM After the ceremony, head to the North Lot of Pechanga Arena for the ultimate Gulls tailgate experience, featuring fun games, delicious food, and exciting prizes for players and families. San Diego Gulls Game – Doors Open at 5:00 PM Cheer on the San Diego Gulls as they face off against the Bakersfield Condors! The puck drops at 6:00 PM , and the first 20 teams to sign up for Gulls Global Games Night will receive a spot to the game! Don’t Miss Out! Sign up now to secure your spot in the Torch Lighting Ceremony and Gulls Global Games Night here => Torch Ceremony and Gulls Global Games Night! This is more than just a tournament — it’s a weekend your team will never forget!