The 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games is a sporting event that will be held in Los Angeles on July 25 to August 2, 2015. It will be the first Special Olympics World Summer Games held in the United States in 16 years. LA 2015 marks the second time that the World Games will be hosted in Los Angeles. Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1932 and 1984. It was announced on September 15, 2011 that Los Angeles won its bid, beating out a bid from South Africa. It is expected that the games will attract about 30,000 volunteers. The Games will be a celebration of the talents, perseverance and achievements of those with intellectual disabilities, furthering the global mission of Special Olympics, founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver.With 7,000 athletes representing more than 170 countries, along with 3,000 coaches, 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games – being staged in Los Angeles July 25 – August 2, 2015 – will be the largest sports-and-humanitarian event anywhere in the world that year, and the biggest single event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The 2015 World Summer Games, with the unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, hospitality and joy that are trademarks of all Special Olympics events, will feature 26 Olympic-style events in venues throughout the Los Angeles region following the Opening Ceremony in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games. The Games Organizing Committee, LA2015, is a recognized 501(c).
Special Olympics is an international organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports everyday around the world. Through work in sports, health education and community building, Special Olympics is addressing inactivity, injustice, intolerance and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities which leads to a more welcoming and inclusive society. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to nearly four million athletes in over 170 countries. With the support of more than one million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics is able to deliver 32 Olympic-type sports and more than 53,000 competitions throughout the year.
