sport
Culver City 12-Year-Old Leina Okamoto Wins USA Climbing National Title
A 12-year-old middle schooler makes the USA Climbing Youth National Team, while the city's summer hoops program and winter league schedule offer young athletes multiple paths to play.
How we reported this
Twelve-year-old Leina Okamoto, a student at Culver City Middle School, has climbed to the top of the youth sports world. Okamoto recently became the USA Climbing Youth National Champion and earned a spot on the USA Climbing Youth National Team, according to a report in the Culver City Crossroads. The achievement puts the seventh-grader on a national stage and underscores the depth of youth athletic talent in the city.
Summer Basketball Academy at Veterans Memorial Park
On the hardwood, the City of Culver City Youth Sports Programs are in full swing. The Youth Summer Basketball Academy, open to children ages 5 through 12, is being held at Veterans Memorial Park. Sessions began in July and run for five weeks, according to the city's official youth sports page. The program is part of a broader city commitment to creating a safe environment that emphasizes community over competition for all children, a principle cited in city materials.
For families looking for a full-day option, the seasonal Youth Sports Summer Camp is operating at Blanco Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, also for ages 5-12, per city bulletins. The camp offers another avenue for kids to stay active during the summer months while parents manage work schedules.
Winter Basketball Leagues Set for January
Looking ahead, the Youth Basketball Leagues for the 2026 Winter Season are already on the calendar. Games will be held every Saturday starting January 19, 2026, and are open to ages 5-12, according to program information. The winter league provides a structured, competitive outlet for young players once the summer academy ends, ensuring year-round opportunities.
Okamoto's climbing victory and the summer and winter basketball offerings together illustrate the range of youth sports options in Culver City. Families can find details on registration and schedules through the city's Parks and Recreation department. With the summer academy underway and winter sign-ups approaching, parents of active kids have a clear path to get them involved.