[July 29, 2014]

California's Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom Joins Leadership Team Organizing the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles

California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom has been appointed Executive Chairman of the Leadership Committee of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

"Gavin will be a tremendous asset to this amazing event," said Rob Friedman, Chairman of the Board for 2015 Special Olympics World Games. "His relationships on both a national and regional level will help expand awareness and tap into needed resources in support of the efforts of these fine athletes coming to Los Angeles next summer. We are all thrilled to have him on the team."

The largest sports-and-humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, the Special Olympics World Games will be held July 25 - August 2, 2015, featuring 25 Olympic-style athletic competitions in 27 venues throughout the Los Angeles region.

"I am inspired by the achievements of the Special Olympics movement, and the personal dedication of the Shriver family," said Newsom. "The World Games provides a stage for over 7,000 accomplished athletes to pursue their passion, and California has an incredible opportunity to expand and elevate this work. I am honored to serve the thousands of individuals that will benefit from this event."

Newsom will be the executive chair of the Leadership Committee comprised of high-powered leaders from the business, entertainment, sports and civic communities, and will provide key strategic counsel and critical introductions to ensure the needed resources for the Games. Additionally, the Leadership Committee will be integral in putting forward the profile of the Games and engaging as broad a support base as possible. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama serve as Honorary Chairs of the World Games, while California Governor Jerry Brown and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti are Honorary Hosts.

About Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015

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. The2015 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. On April 30, 2014, LA2015 and ESPN (News - Alert) announced a global programming deal that will see ESPN bring coverage of World Games to millions of fans around the world. Current Founding Champions sponsors include The Coca-Cola Company, Mattel, Deloitte, Toyota, Kaiser Permanente, Davis Elen Advertising, AEG, David Geffen, Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw, The Walt Disney (News - Alert) Company, Knights of Columbus and Bank of America. 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

Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports, every day around the world. We empower people with intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Using sports as the catalyst and programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and intolerance. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown to more than 4.4 million athletes in 170 countries. With the support of more than 1.3 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 33 Olympic-type sports and more than 81,000 games and competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is supported by individuals, foundations and partners, including the Christmas Records Trust, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics®, The Coca-Cola Company, The Walt Disney Company and ESPN, Lions Clubs International, Mattel, P&G, Bank of America, Essilor Vision Foundation, the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation, Finish Line, The Safeway Foundation, and Safilo Group. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org. Engage with us on: twitter@specialolympics, facebook.com/specialolympics, youtube.com/specialolympicshq, instagram.com/specialolympics and specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com

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