What a treat for this correspondent to be part of today's press conference. April 16th 2015 marks "100 Days" until the Special Olympics World Games kicks off this July. As everyone gathered to hear from former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, President of LA2015 Patrick Mc Clenahan, and Olympian Julie Foudy, the energy was absolutely electric at the LA84 facility. The global messengers were excited to present the press and the world with the new medals for this year's 2015 games. There will be 7,000 athletes from 177 countries participating in this global event. Hearing cheers from the crowd as ambassador to this years games, Dustin Plunkett, introduced the former Mayor. Villaraigosa gave an inspiring speech asking that everyone participate by attending or volunteering, and he also asked the corporate Los Angeles to donate funds to the cause. He called Los Angeles, "The City of America's hope and promise" and expects that the games will be successful. It was fun to see a personal favorite of mine, Greg Louganis, winner of the gold in '84 & '88. In 1984 Greg received the James E. Sullivan Award from the Amateur Athletic Union as the most outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. His presence was that of inspiration and strength. Julie Foudy, Olympic Gold Medal in soccer, gathered a group of the female Global Messengers for a fun photo opportunity. It was so sweet to see how happy they all were with her at the center,...

Special Olympics World Games begin in 100 days with 7,000 athletes from 177 nations; LA's elite gather to celebrate & seek support.

100 Days until we meet our Real Heroes

What a treat for this correspondent to be part of today's press conference. April 16th 2015 marks "100 Days" until the Special Olympics World Games kicks off this July. As everyone gathered to hear from former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, President of LA2015 Patrick Mc Clenahan, and Olympian Julie Foudy, the energy was absolutely electric at the LA84 facility. The global messengers were excited to present the press and the world with the new medals for this year's 2015 games. There will be 7,000 athletes from 177 countries participating in this global event.     Hearing cheers from the crowd as ambassador to this years games, Dustin Plunkett, introduced the former Mayor. Villaraigosa gave an inspiring speech asking that everyone participate by attending or volunteering, and he also asked the corporate Los Angeles to donate funds to the cause. He called Los Angeles, "The City of America's hope and promise" and expects that the games will be successful.    It was fun to see a personal favorite of mine, Greg Louganis, winner of the gold in '84 & '88. In 1984 Greg received the James E. Sullivan Award from the Amateur Athletic Union as the most outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. His presence was that of inspiration and strength. Julie Foudy, Olympic Gold Medal in soccer, gathered a group of the female Global Messengers for a fun photo opportunity. It was so sweet to see how happy they all were with her at the center,...

When Anita was a child she was not given the opportunity to play sports. She grew up with 3 brothers and was the only girl on her block. She substituted sports with music, finding a place in the choir, which gave her the "team" experience, but was definitely not sports. As I Interviewed Anita, her story hit close to home as I also grew up in a prominently boys' world.  Unlike most girls who accepted a world of non-sporting activities, Anita would not settle for 'NO'! Still she could not understand why boys had access to sports and girls did not. Finally she began college, where she was not the only female hungry to play sports, and went on to make the basketball team.  I asked Anita how she discovered her love for rowing. She told me that during her sophomore year in college she was walking across campus and her attention was captured by something hanging in a sling. She inquired about it and was told about rowing, and how she'd be perfect for it!. She laughs and tells me, "Now there's a line!". Anita thought she may not be perfect for rowing but it was perfect for her. She loved that it was outdoors, required teamwork, did harm to no one, and you even put the water back wear you got it, with each stroke. She went on to captain the American rowing team at the 1976 Summer Olympics, winning the bronze medal in women's eight....

Anita DeFrantz, denied sports as a girl, later captained the 1976 US Olympic rowing team, and promotes sport as a right at LA84.

Anita DeFrantz, President of LA84, Has a "SHERO"

Anita DeFrantz, denied sports as a girl, later captained the 1976 US Olympic rowing team, and promotes sport as a right at LA84.

Anita DeFrantz, President of LA84, Has a "SHERO"

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100 Days until we meet our Real Heroes

Anita DeFrantz, President of LA84, Has a "SHERO"

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Special Needs Articles

100 Days until we meet our Real Heroes

Anita DeFrantz, President of LA84, Has a "SHERO"

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
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