Long Beach to Serve as Host Town for 2015 Special Olympics World Games

Long Beach was today named a host town that will help welcome athletes participating in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles to Southern California.

The host town program has been a part of the Special Olympics since 1995 and is scheduled for July 21-24, 2015. The Games start July 25, 2015.

"Long Beach has always been proud to support Special Olympics, and now, with the World Games coming to Los Angeles, it felt natural for us to open our doors to these amazing international athletes," Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster said. "It is a true privilege for us to welcome them to our city and be a part of this monumental event."

Long Beach -- the first host town to be named -- has long supported the Special Olympics, in part by hosting the Special Olympics of Southern California Summer Games for the past 15 years at Cal State Long Beach.

About 100 communities from San Luis Obispo to San Diego are eligible to become host towns, which are responsible for introducing athletes to the community and helping publicize the Games.

Leaders of communities interested in serving as host towns can learn more by visiting the World Games website at www.LA2015.org/host-town.

--City News Service