Biola University will host hundreds of Special Olympics delegates from Russia and Macau for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games coming to Los Angeles from July 21 to 24, 2015.


Biola will host a celebratory welcome event for nearly 400 athletes on campus on Wednesday, July 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is in partnership with the cities of La Mirada, Calif., the host town for Russia and Whittier, Calif., the host town for Macau. Food will be sponsored by Chick-fil-A La Habra.


“We are happy to serve the community through our partnership with the city of La Mirada in hosting hundreds of athletes for the 2015 Special Olympics,” said Biola University President Barry H. Corey. “This is a unique opportunity and we are honored to be a part of it.”


Biola University will house the athletes in its residence halls and provide food while the city will provide transportation and community events for the athletes.


The 2015 Special Olympics World Games will be among the largest events in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The Opening Ceremony, to be held on July 25 in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games, is expected to attract 80,000 spectators. Honorary chairs of the Games are President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.


Special Olympics unites children and adult athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world. The athletes demonstrate unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork and displays of courage and skill. The games will feature 25 Olympic-style sports and the Special Olympics World Games Torch Relay.

“The host-town program provides an opportunity for the athletes to get acclimated to the country,” said Steve Vanderpool, vice president of communications for the Special Olympic World Games. “One reason for the selection of La Mirada was the presence of Biola. A community that has a university or college with housing is always helpful.”

For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, media relations specialist, at 562.777.4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.