Southern California opens it’s doors to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games! More than 100 communities from San Luis Obispo to San Diego will have the honor of participating in the “Host Town” program. Over 7,000 athletes from 177 countries will be made welcomed from July 21-24, 2015.

Host towns are “responsible for planning activities for the athletes to introduce them to the community and help spread the word about the Games”. They are selected based on “the availability of lodging accommodations, sports practice facilities and recreation/entertainment offerings for the athletes, among other criteria”.

"The Host Town program is an exciting way for Southern California locals to open our doors and show the athletes and coaches from around the world our hospitality and our culture," said Patrick McClenahan, president and chief executive officer of LA2015, the Games Organizing Committee. "This is an important part of the World Games experience and a truly meaningful way for different communities to be part of the Games and create lasting memories for our visiting athletes."

“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.”

Click here for a list of announced “Host Towns”. You can sign your community up to be a “Host Town” at www.la2015.org