The City of Monterey Park invited residents to “Reach Up” and welcome the 100-plus members of the German Special Olympics delegation as they arrive in town on July 23rd.

The City of Monterey Park is one of about 100 Host Towns in Southern California who welcomed Special Olympics Athletes from around the globe to get acclimated to all that Los Angeles has to offer. Monterey Park, in conjunction with the communities of Lincoln Heights and Alhambra, hosted German athletes and team members for three days leading up to the Opening Ceremonies for the World Games 2015, which took place on July 25th at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

MPK Taiko Drummers welcomed the guests to Monterey Park with the beat of their drums.

Le Polynesia Dance Company displayed their dance moves to the German guests who enjoyed a visit to the South Pacific.

DJ Caveman provided music that was enjoyed by the young German visitors and MERCI clients.  They all danced to the rock and roll to the delight of audience

Board of Trustees Mike Eng welcomed the delegation to Monterey Park in both German and English.  He thanked the Monterey Park Police and Fire Departments, MERCI, Boy Scout Troop 301 and the volunteers for their dedication and service. He spoke about Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who founded the Special Olympics in memory of her sister, Rosemary Kennedy, in1962. The family is still very much involved in the Special Olympics.

He presented proclamations to Nils Collingro, head of the German delegation, Kana Lee, chairwoman of the Host Town Monterey Park and Police Chief Jim Smith, representing the City of Monterey Park.

A private luncheon at 12 noon preceding the festival for the German athletes and team at the Barnes Park picnic pavilion serving some of the best of the community’s local flavors with support from local businesses such as Shakas, Togo’s, Boston Market, Z’s Crazy Good, The Daily Brew in Montebello, Liliana’s in East Los Angeles, Lori’s Original Lemonade from Ventura, Diabolo Beverages, and Shinano Restaurant.

The Host Town committee invited Monterey Park residents to continue the welcome of the German team as they arrive in Monterey Park for a free arts & music festival production titled “Color. Art. Movement.” at Barnes Park Amphitheater, which was decorated with colorful balloons and colorful origami cranes.

Burst Rock was the Master of Ceremonies with his dance crew who played rock music and danced to the enjoyment of the audience.

Members of the Red Not Chili Peppers played many “golden oldies” and the crowd began to dance in their seats.

The young ladies from Grace Dancing Group entertained the guests with their performance.

Members of the Glendale High School Dance and Drill Team wowed the guests with their dance and gymnastic performance. They brought down the house as the audience clapped and yelled their appreciation.

Members of No Duh performed several Top 10 songs and danced across the stage to thrill of the young people.

The audience enjoyed the hospitality of Monterey Park with great entertainment, good food, cold drinks, colorful snow cones and delicious yogurt from Yougurtland.

This was just one of the many events welcoming the German delegation to Los Angeles.

Major Sponsors for the Host Town Program in Monterey Park was provided by Tigers Youth Club, Scudder Foundation, MPK Pacemakers, Athens Service, Henley Law, Transtech Engineers, Inc., West SGV Relations Association and LINC Housing.