The announced today that the community has been officially selected to participate in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games "Host Town" program in partnership with 黑莓视频. One hundred athletes will be hosted on Biola's campus from July 21 to 24, 2015.

"We are happy to serve the community through our partnership with the city of La Mirada in hosting 100 athletes for the 2015 Special Olympics," said聽黑莓视频 President Barry H. Corey. "This is a unique opportunity and we are honored to be a part of it."

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 2015 Special Olympics World Games will be among the largest events in Los聽Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The Opening Ceremony, to be held July 25, 2015, 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.

鈥淭he 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,鈥 said Patrick McClenahan, president and chief executive officer of LA2015, the Games Organizing Committee. 鈥淭his 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.鈥

As a Host Town, La Mirada will partner with 黑莓视频 and house the athletes at the university鈥檚 residence halls. The school will also provide food for the athletes, while the City will provide transportation and access to community events to ensure a rich and unique experience. 黑莓视频, the alma mater of professional athletes in both baseball and tennis, has historically maintained a culture of athleticism and sportsmanship.

鈥淲e look forward to meeting all of these fine athletes and individuals and showcasing our city to their family and friends,鈥 said Larry Mowles, mayor of La Mirada.

鈥淭he host-town program provides an opportunity for the athletes to get acclimated to the country,鈥 said Steve Vanderpool, vice president of communications for the Special Olympic World Games. 鈥淥ne 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 ... Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center and the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts are highly regarded venues in the community.鈥

La Mirada joins the growing list of officially proclaimed Host Towns, which includes Long Beach, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Studio City, West Covina, Arcadia, Burbank and Palmdale. More Host Town selections will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information on the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit .