[April 16, 2014]

Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015) Names "15 for 2015" Global Messengers to Spread Awareness

The Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015) today announced the selection of "15 for 2015" World Games Global Messengers who will help raise awareness about the Special Olympics movement.

The "15 for 2015" Global Messengers, and the eight alternates, were selected from 11 different counties throughout Southern California. The athletes, who participate in a combined 12 sports ranging from bocce to volleyball, will represent the organizing committee at events from now through the World Games, which begin on July 25, 2015.

"Great care was taken to assemble a group of athletes and leaders who are diverse in age, gender, ethnicity, languages spoken and experience," said Patrick McClenahan, president and chief executive officer of LA2015, the Games Organizing Committee. "Our '15 for 2015' Global Messengers not only represent their fellow athletes and the Special Olympics but also the proud diversity of the Southern California community. We look forward to the Global Messengers spreading their personal Special Olympics stories and how the program has impacted their lives and others."

"I want to let the world know what a phenomenal worldwide organization Special Olympics is, and how it affects and enhances our lives in all capacities - physical, social, mental and emotional," said Michelle Core, a Global Messenger from Los Angeles. "I feel it is important to express myself to others in the hopes of reaching out and changing lives through Special Olympics."

To learn more about the upcoming Special Olympics World Games, including the "15 for 2015" Global Messenger program, visit the official website at www.LA2015.org. If you are interested in having a World Games Global Messenger speak at your event or function, please contact Stephanie Medina at [email protected] or Dustin Plunkett at [email protected].

About the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games

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. Honorary Chairs of the Games are President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and California Governor Jerry Brown serving as Honorary Hosts. Current Founding Champions and sponsors include AEG, Kaiser Permanente, Mattel, David Geffen, Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw, the Coca-Cola Company, The Walt Disney (News - Alert) Company, Deloitte and Davis Elen Advertising. LA2015, the Games Organizing Committee, is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information on the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.LA2015.org.

About Special Olympics International

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. We promote acceptance for all, and foster communities of understanding and respect. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to more than four million athletes in 170 countries. Special Olympics events take place every day in community playgrounds and ball fields. With the support of more than one million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics is able to deliver 32 Olympic-type sports and more than 70,000 competitions throughout the year. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org. Engage with us on: Twitter @specialolympics; fb.com/specialolympics; youtube.com/specialolympicshq, and specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]