La Verne Serving as a Host to Special Olympics Athletes

The city of La Verne has been officially selected to participate in the Special Olympics World Games Host Town program from July 21 – 24, 2015.

Before the Special Olympics World Games begin on July 25, 2015, more than 7,000 athletes from 177 countries will be welcomed to Southern California through the Host Town program.

As many as 100 communities from San Luis Obispo to San Diego will have the honor of being selected as an official Host Town.

“We are thrilled to see so many communities eager to participate in this integral component of the World Games,” said Patrick McClenahan, president and chief executive officer of LA2015, the Games Organizing Committee.

“The Host Town program will not only create lasting memories for these athletes and coaches from around the world, but leave a lasting legacy for the communities who are opening their doors, hearts and minds to host these inspiring athletes.”

As a Host Town, La Verne will give athletes tours of both the city and the University of La Verne, along with other activities. As co-host of the program, the University of La Verne will provide housing and training facilities for all participating athletes.

“We are truly honored to be selected as a Host Town for the Special Olympics World Games,” said Devorah Lieberman, President of the University of La Verne.

“We plan to show these amazing athletes the best hospitality the city of La Verne and at the University of La Verne can offer.”

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.

LA2015 is actively identifying potential Host Town candidates to be considered for the program.

Communities are evaluated on the availability of lodging accommodations, sports practice facilities and recreation/entertainment offerings for the athletes, among other criteria.

Host Towns are also responsible for planning activities for the athletes to introduce them to the community and help spread the word about the Games.

La Verne joins the growing list of officially proclaimed Host Towns, which includes Long Beach, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Studio City, Manhattan Beach, West Covina, Arcadia, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, La Mirada, Glendale, Palm Springs, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Irvine, Downey, Whittier, Simi Valley, Fountain Valley, Pasadena, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Solvang, Oxnard, San Diego North County (Del Mar, Encinitas, and Solana Beach), Corona, Mountain Communities of Lake Arrowhead, Inglewood, San Pedro, Poway, Ontario, Carson, Mission Viejo, La Habra, Rancho Cucamonga, Alhambra, Monterey Park, South Pasadena, South County (Coronado, Chula Vista, and National City), Chino Valley, Hermosa Beach, Redlands, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Monica, Lincoln Heights, Azusa/Duarte/Glendora, Orange and Newport Beach. More Host Town selections will be announced in the coming weeks.

Communities interested in serving as Host Towns can learn more by visiting the World Games website at www.LA2015.org/host-town.

Have a news tip? email mirna.alfonso@patch.com. You can also post your own news, events and announcements on Patch by following these directions. Curious about how our new commenting platform, Disqus, works? Learn more about it here and start interacting with your neighbors on Patch.

Make your photos show on the Patch home-page by posting to Instagram with the hashtag #myPatch