Santa Clarita announced today it will serve as a Host Town for Special Olympics Delegations (including athletes and coaches) from El Salvador, Faroe Islands, Malaysia and the Philippines as part of the Special Olympics World Games Host Town program this summer.

Before the World Games begin on July 25, 2015, more than 7,000 athletes from 177 countries will be welcomed to communities throughout Southern California. The Delegations will spend July 21-24, 2015 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.

The Host Town program in Santa Clarita is collaboration between the City of Santa Clarita, local sponsors and the local Host Town organizing committee of volunteers. Together, they will welcome the Special Olympics athletes and coaches and provide them with food, housing and entertainment.

“The Host Town program gives each community an opportunity to showcase to the world what makes them special, but more importantly to provide citizens with a better understanding of intellectual disabilities that will lead to acceptance and inclusion for all,” said Patrick McClenahan, President and CEO of LA2015. “Long after the World Games are over, the memories of those three days spent in the Host Towns will leave a lasting legacy for Special Olympics Southern California and everyone who was touched by our athletes. We are thankful to all participating Host Towns and their tireless volunteers for opening their doors – and their hearts – to our athletes and coaches.”

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 the night away during a party 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. Fundraising for hosting the delegations is well under way.  With support from The Master’s College, Lockheed AERO Club, American Trust Escrow, Real Life Church, Poole and Shaffery, LLP, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Afterburn Fitness, CAM Foundation and numerous individual donors, the Santa Clarita delegates will participate in a variety of special events planned just for them.

“Santa Clarita regularly plays host to athletes playing a variety of sports throughout the year.  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.

Host Town Chairperson Jackie Hartmann adds, “We are honored to host the delegations from the Philippines, Malaysia, the Faroe Islands and El Salvador.  We look forward to showing them our beautiful city.  And, we are grateful to the many sponsors that have donated thus far.”

To learn more about how to get involved with the Santa Clarita Host Town, please visit LA2015.org/host-town/santa-clarita.

The Host Town program has been an important element of Special Olympics World Games since 1995. The experience has left a lasting impression on the local communities in Ireland, Japan, China, Greece, South Korea and the United States, all of which have previously organized Host Town programs as part of the Special Olympics World Games.

About the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015)

With 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games – being staged in Los Angeles July 25 – August 2, 2015 – 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. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games, with the unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, joy and displays of courage and skill that are hallmarks of all Special Olympics events, will feature 25 Olympic-style sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region. The Opening Ceremony, to be held July 25, 2015 in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games, is expected to attract 80,000 spectators. 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.