It’s kickoff time in Santa Clarita for the Special Olympics World Games. The city is serving as a Host Town for Special Olympics Delegations (including athletes and coaches) from El Salvador, Faroe Islands, Malaysia and the Philippines.

To kick off the Games, the city is hosting a welcoming event Wednesday, July 22, at 9 a.m. at The Master’s College, Music Recital Hall, North Campus. The public is invited to the welcome event.

Before the World Games begin on July 25, more than 7,000 athletes from 177 countries will be welcomed to communities throughout Southern California. The delegations will spend July 21-24, in and around Santa Clarita as they become acclimated to the time zone, enjoy the many activities Santa Clarita has to offer and prepare to compete at the World Games.

In the days leading up to the Games, the delegates will stay in the dormitories at The Master’s College, and events are being planned for them through raised sponsorship dollars.

The athletes will dance with local Santa Clarita Special Olympics athletes hosted by Real Life Church; enjoy a picnic at Six Flags Magic Mountain; prep for their individual sports with personal trainers at Afterburn Fitness and The Master’s College; and participate in a parade inside Westfield Valencia Town Center.

To learn more information about the Santa Clarita Host Town program, visit LA2015.org.