 "The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have reportedly killed at least 24 people. AP")
The ongoing Los Angeles wildfires have wreaked havoc in the United States, with at least 24 people reported to have been killed. The wildfires have also impacted sportspersons and teams, with Mexican footballer Carlos Vela and Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick losing their homes. Multiple matches of the NBA were postponed, including those of Los Angeles Lakers’ and Los Angeles Clippers’ home games. Los Angeles Rams’ National Football League (NFL) Wild Card home game against Minnesota Vikings was moved to Glendale in Arizona and was played on Monday, with the Rams beating Vikings 27-9.
LA sports teams pledge to donate $8 million
In the aftermath of the wildfires, twelve professional sports based in Los Angeles have promised to donate a combined amount of $8 million to provide support to the families affected and those who are fighting the fires.
Angel City FC, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles FC, LA Galaxy, Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Sparks and Los Angeles Kings will make contributions to the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and other relief organisations. All 12 teams announced the decision via their social media channels.
Impact Shorts
View AllFanatics, an apparel manufacturer, has also tied up with the teams to provide $3 million in merchandise to the families who have been evacuated from homes. On Friday, hygiene kits, clothes, school supplies, shoes and other items will be distributed across multiple sporing venues in LA, including the Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium and BMO Stadium.
Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford said that he was glad that his team could bring fans something to smile about. “We knew what we were playing for,” he said. “It’s a tough time to be back (in Los Angeles). We’re just happy that we came out and played like this tonight to get (fans) something to be happy about,” he added.
Lakers coach JJ Redick hoped that sports would provide joy for fans. The Lakers lost to San Antonio Spurs 102-126 in the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday. “Sports are a lot of things and sports can certainly provide an escape and a distraction,” he said. “Hopefully sports tonight can provide some joy as well,” Redick, who lost his home in the fires, added.
Naomi Osaka unable to focus at Australian Open
Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka defeated France’s Caroline Garcia 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to reach the second round of the 2025 Australian Open in Melbourne on Monday, but she has admitted that she is unable to focus due to the raging wildfires in Los Angeles. Osaka resides in Los Angeles and said that the fire that a erupted is three blocks away from her house. “I was watching the fire map and the fire is three blocks from my house. I had someone go get my daughter’s birth certificate,” she said after the match .
Menwhile, Gary Hall Jr, a ten-time Olympic medallist, lost all his medals during the Los Angeles fires, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach has promised that Gary will be given with a replica of all his medals . “We are in full solidarity with the citizens of Los Angeles and full of admiration for the tireless work of the firefighters and the security forces,” Back told news agency AFP.
“Currently the full focus must be on the fight against the fires and the protection of the people and property. We have also learned that a great Olympian, Gary Hall Jr, has lost his medals in the fire. The IOC will provide him with replicas," added Bach.