Monterey Park to Host Special Olympics Delegation from Germany
Prior to the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015)

Special Olympics athletes and coaches will visit Monterey Park to enjoy and learn about the town’s culture before competing in 2015 World Games

Monterey Park, Calif., (May 5, 2015) – The City of Monterey Park will host Special Olympics Delegations (which include athletes and coaches) from Germany as part of the Special Olympics World Games Host Town program. 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 Delegation will spend July 21-24, 2015 in and around Monterey Park as they become acclimated to the time zone, enjoy activities that Monterey Park has to offer and prepare to compete at the World Games.

The Host Town program is a collaboration between Monterey Park, California State University Los Angeles, Alhambra, and Lincoln Heights. Together, they will welcome the Special Olympics athletes and coaches and provide them 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 at Host Town 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.”

For more information on the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit LA2015.org and on social with #ReachUpLA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

To learn more about how you can get involved with the Monterey Park Host Town program, please visit the Host Town tab under www.LA2015.org

The Host Town program has been an important element of Special Olympics World Games since 1995, and 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
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. On April 30, 2014, LA2015 and ESPN announced a global programming deal that will see ESPN bring coverage of World Games to millions of fans around the world. 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. 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 and on social with #ReachUpLA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Monterey Park Host Town Committee is accepting donations, they should be made out to “LA 2015″. Please mail all donations to:

City of Monterey Park

Attn: Dan Costley, Park & Rec’s Director

320 West Newmark Ave

Monterey Park, Ca. 91754