Youth Peace Olympics
Peace. Purpose. progress.
Our Purpose
The Youth Peace Olympics (YPO) is a South Baton Rouge and North Philadelphia collaboration that began under the watchful eye of the Rev. Mary L. Wade, Ph.D. and members of Building Respect in Communities. The unique three-fold focus of the YPO that began in 2011 in Philadelphia are character-building, sportsmanship and commitment to peace and non-violence. With that focus, YPO began in 2014 in the South Baton Rouge area and is a youth violence prevention program for youth ages 10-16. YPO seeks to educate and empower participants to make healthy lifestyle choices and curb violence. YPO is an initiative of the Louisiana Center for Health Equity (LCHE) and the Together We Are More Adolescent Health Collaborative. ?
Our program
All teens ages 10 to 17 are encouraged to come kick-off their summer with us starting on April 29th and April 30th, and every 3rd Saturday of May through August. In September, YPO teens will have the opportunity to be celebrated and show off their talents during the Annual Closing Ceremony. Teens should expect to participate in indoor and outdoor activities, such as sports, art, music, STEAM projects, and more!
Your Participation
Tired of seeing violence take the lives of Baton Rouge youth? Ready to show the world that you’re not too young to make a difference??? Youth Peace Olympics is the program for you! Sign up or Become a Volunteer!
Youth Peeace
Need to Know
Opening Ceremony for the 2022 Youth Peace Olympics
2022 Youth Peace Olympics has now commenced!!! The Opening Ceremony happened Friday April 29th 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Ben Burge Park (9350 Antigua Dr Baton Rouge, LA 70810)!We are excited to be hosting it in person after 2 years of being virtual.
Volunteer for the 2022 Youth Peace Olympics
YPO is accepting applications for volunteers and coaches. If you have a passion for seeing our youth thrive, want to make a difference in your community, or just have a desire to gain volunteer experience, YPO may be the place for you! YPO is a youth violence...
Apply for the 2022 Youth Peace Olympics
After two years of COVID-19 and being virtual, the Louisiana Center for Health Equity (LCHE), along with the Together We Are More Adolescent Health Collaborative, is pleased to announce our ninth annual Youth Peace Olympics (YPO) will be back in person. The 2022 Youth...
Violence Prevention
Life Skills Building
Creative Arts
Participants are introduced to several art forms including vocal music, dance, visual arts and more. Youth have the opportunity to showcase their work at the YPO Closing ceremony.
“This is a safe space for teens to be heard because they have a lot on their minds. This summit will help them focus their energy on achieving their goals and dream.”
Get Involved
Past Events
2021 Youth Peace Olympics
The 8th Annual Youth Peace Olympics started with a virtual kick-off on May 15, 2021 with guest appearances from Carlos Vaughn, Ariel Simone, and AJ Ferguson. The...
2020 Youth Peace Olympics
The 7th Annual Youth Peace Olympics was from June 6 to August 1, 2020. This was our first time going virtual all because of the COVID 19 pandemic. It was simply...
2019 Youth Peace Olympics
The 6th Annual Youth Peace Olympics. STEM Day was held on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Ben Burge Park Gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event...
2018 Youth Peace Olympics
Louisiana Center for Health Equity's Youth Peace Olympics celebrates five AMAZING years of positively impacting the lives of Baton Rouge youth....
2017 Youth Peace Olympics
This is the fourth annual Youth Peace Olympics, a community initiative dedicated to helping youth aged 10 to 16 bring home a championship by taking part in sports,...
