Gayle Anderson was live in Long Beach with a preview of the this weekend’s 2015 SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES, Saturday, June 13th through Sunday, June 14th at California State University, Long Beach and Recreation Park Golf Course. Summer Games attracts more than 1,100 athletes from across Southern California who will compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals and ribbons. The games feature our six summer sports — aquatics, athletics (track & field), basketball, bocce, golf, and gymnastics.
Summer Games is one of two annual championships held at the conclusion of each sport season, with athletes coming together from throughout southern California. Spectators are encouraged to come watch the competitions and join in the fun. Summer Games is FREE for everyone to attend.
The Opening Ceremony is Saturday, June 13th at the Track Stadium at CSULB. Competitions are Saturday and Sunday. Award ceremonies are held at all sports venues after the events. Closing ceremonies are at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 14th at the Festival Stage. For a map of the 2015 SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES events, click HERE.
In addition to the competitions, there will be a Special Olympics Festival that features games, live entertainment, community and law enforcement exhibits, and more. Visitors can pick up Special Olympics souvenirs and merchandise at Rafer’s Boutique. Children with intellectual disabilities, ages 2.5 to 7, can participate in the Young Athletes Program demonstration, which focuses on activities important to mental/physical growth. The Young Athletes Program is an early introduction to sports and to the world of the Special Olympics. The Healthy Athlete Village offers FREE health screenings for athletes. For more information, click HERE.
This year’s title sponsor is The Vons Foundation. Co-Sponsors of the 2015 SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES include KTLA 5, Mattel, Lionsgate, Toyota, TCW and Disney.
2015 SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES is held at two different venues — California State University, Long Beach and nearby Recreation Park Golf Course. Parking is FREE at all venues. Refer to the CSULB map for campus parking locations.
Special Olympics Southern California offers year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 17,000 athletes in 11 Southern California counties train and compete in 12 Olympic-type summer and fall sports. There is no cost for athletes to participate in Special Olympics. To see how you can become involved, click HERE.
Also, the 2015 SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES are a precursor to the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games, hosted by Los Angeles from July 25th through August 2nd. The 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games features more than 7,000 Special Olympic athletes from 177 nations, who will compete in 23 Olympic-type sports. The Special Olympics World Summer Games will return to the United States after 16 years, having last been held in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1999. The most recent World Summer Games were the 2011 Games in Athens, Greece. The 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games are expected to bring more than a half million people to the greater Los Angeles area.
The Special Olympics World Summer Games will highlight the unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, hospitality and joy that are trademarks of all Special Olympics events. The Games will be held in venues throughout the Los Angeles region, following the Opening Ceremony in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games.
Founded in 1968 by Eunice Shriver Kennedy, the global Special Olympics movement today engages more than 4 million people around the world. For more information on the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, including sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, visit the official LA2015 website.
Saturday, June 13th & Sunday, June 14th
2015 SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES
California State University Long Beach
6000 East Atherton Street
Long Beach, CA 90815
&
Recreation Park Golf Course
5000 East 7th Street
Long Beach, CA 90804
Special Olympics Southern California
1600 Forbes Way, Suite 200
Long Beach, CA 90810
(562) 502-1100
(562) 502-1119 FAX
2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games
July 25th through August 2nd
If you have questions, please feel free to call Gayle Anderson at 323-460-5732 or e-mail Gayle at Gayle.Anderson@KTLA.com
