Burbank announced it will host Special Olympics Delegations (which include athletes and coaches) from Botswana and Zimbabwe 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 two Delegations from Africa will spend July 21-24, 2015, in and around Burbank as they become acclimated to the time zone, enjoy activities that Burbank has to offer and prepare to compete at the World Games.
The Host Town program in Burbank is a collaboration between the City of Burbank, Woodbury University and the Burbank Chamber of Commerce. Together, they will welcome the Special Olympics athletes and coaches and provide the delegations 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.”
Woodbury University has generously offered to house the athletes in the campus dorms from Tuesday until Friday morning. In addition, the athletes will receive a unique opportunity to enjoy Burbank’s attractions during their stay thanks to donations made by the Worthe Real Estate Group, The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., and more.
To learn more about how you can get involved with the Burbank Host Town program and to find more about the community events that will take place that week, please visit www.burbankca.gov/specialolympics.
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.
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.
