Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) has made a $100,000 donation to Partners of Parks for the development of the first Universally Accessible Playground in the City of Long Beach. The playground, inspired by an organization called Shane’s Inspiration, aims to bring disabled children and their able-bodied peers together in an integrated play environment, with the aim of eliminating bias towards disabled children.  

 The donation was presented at the January 15, 2008, Long Beach City Council meeting by Anthony Otto, vice president of OOCL’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Long Beach Container Terminals Inc (LBCTI). The $100,000 donation will be accepted by Chris Kozaites, President of Partners of Parks, a non-profit corporation supporting Long Beach parks, recreation and beaches.

 “The reason this project was chosen is because it represents a vital part of the local community and provides hope and stability for the future. International transportation has become a key part of the Long Beach economy, and is slowly becoming part of the city’s social fabric and future. OOCL and LBCTI are very pleased to be able to give something back to the local community, who contribute so much to our company’s success,” said Mr Otto.

 “Partners of Parks is honored to accept this donation from Long Beach Container Terminals Inc. It demonstrates their commitment to the citizens and community of Long Beach” said Mr. Kozaites.  “The development of the first Universally-Accessible Playground will ensure that every child in Long Beach will have the opportunity to benefit from the power of play by allowing children with and without disabilities to swing, slide, and play together.  There are over 115,000 children under the age of 12 in Long Beach, with over 10,000 documented as having a disability living at home.”

 The money comes from rebates given to OOCL on dockage fees for compliance with a Port of Long Beach environmental program, the “Green Flag Program”. The voluntary program provides rebates for vessels and carriers that reduce their speed as they enter the Long Beach harbor, thus reducing emissions. OOCL maintained a 100 percent compliance with the program in 2006.

 “We applaud OOCL for this outstanding donation,” said Mario Cordero, President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners. “The company has always been a strong environmental partner in our Green Port programs, and with this gift to the City it has shown an impressive commitment to the Long Beach community as well.”

 OOCL offers transportation services to all major east/west trading economies of the world, and is one of the leading international carriers serving China, providing a full range of logistics and transportation services throughout the country. It is also an industry leader in the use of information technology and e-commerce to manage the entire cargo process. For more information on OOCL, visit their website: http://www.oocl.com/.

 For information on other Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine programs, call (562) 570-3100 or visit www.LBParks.org.