In just a few short weeks, Los Angeles will welcome more than 7,000 athletes from 170 nations for the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to President John F. Kennedy, the first Games were held in 1968 in Chicago. In that time, the Special Olympics has grown into the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions to more than 4.4 million athletes. This year is the first time the Special Olympics have been held in the United States since the 1999 Games in Raleigh, North Carolina and a chance to display the best of our city to the world.

As your Councilmember, I’m thrilled that not one, but 4 of our West Valley communities and their chambers of commerce have stepped up to the plate to serve as host towns, welcoming the world's athletes in to our neighborhoods as they compete on the global stage: the communities of Woodland Hills, Tarzana, and Reseda, along with the West Valley-Warner Center Chamber of Commerce will be welcoming the Greek delegation to the World Games, while the community of Winnetka will host the delegation from Venezuela.

How to get involved:

• Support your local host town! West Valley communities have stepped up to the plate to host nation delegations to the World Games, but they need your help to make this an amazing experience for the athletes. It takes $100 to host one athlete during one day, or $300 for all three days. Donate now to support your local host town of Winnetka, or Woodland Hills, Tarzana, and Reseda.
• Join me at a local torch run! The West Valley will host two torch runs in the lead-up to the Games: on July 22 in Warner Center, and July 23 in Reseda.
• Become a volunteer! Apply now as a volunteer to be a part of the biggest global sports event to hit LA since the 1984 Olympic Games. The Special Olympics are seeking volunteers with big hearts, big smiles and a big commitment to the mission - Special Olympics. Whatever your interest, talent or background, there are volunteer opportunities for you! To find the role that’s right for you click here.

The City of Los Angeles is the greatest city in the world because of the contributions made by everyday people throughout Los Angeles. This summer, let’s show the world the best of Los Angeles as we play host to the Special Olympics Summer World Games.