The Special Olympics World Games have finally arrived.
The spectacular event will take over the city of Los Angeles from July 25 to August 2, and will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. Opening Ceremonies will take place on July 25 at the historic L.A. Memorial Coliseum, the site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games and will feature 25 Olympic style sports, coupled with unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, courage and skill…what the Special Olympics are all about.
Even more exciting, the City of Santa Clarita was selected to be a host town for the Special Olympics World Games. For three days preceding the Opening Ceremony, we will be hosting athletes from El Salvador, Faroe Islands, Malaysia and Philippines for the 2015 World Games. “The Host Town program is an exciting way for Southern California locals to open our doors and show the athletes and coaches from around the world our hospitality and our culture,” said Patrick McClenahan, president and chief executive officer of LA2015, the Games Organizing Committee. “This is an important part of the World Games experience and a truly meaningful way for different communities to be part of the Games and create lasting memories for our visiting athletes.”
As a Host Town, the City of Santa Clarita will welcome athletes into the community, providing them with a relaxing, fun filled and culturally immersive experience during their stay. “We can’t wait to welcome our visiting Special Olympics World Games delegations to showcase all that Santa Clarita has to offer,” said Marsha McLean, Mayor of Santa Clarita.
Santa Clarita resident and former Special Olympics medalist Marisa Watkins will be serving as the 2015 World Games Global Ambassador. Twenty one year old Marisa has been involved with Special Olympics since 2009, when she competed at the World Winter Games in Idaho. Against 170 countries, Marisa took home a gold and was selected as athlete of the year for her region, Santa Clarita. “I took on the role of Global Ambassador about three years ago,” states Marisa. “My job is to go around southern California and spread the word, working at local fundraisers as well as making connections so other athletes can join. Over the years, Marisa has won more than 60 medals, including 45 gold medals, two of which came at the 2009 World Games in Shanghai.
“I am looking forward to the Special Olympics World Games, and am super excited to be a part of it all.”
For more information on the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.LA2015.org and on social with #ReachUpLA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
