Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015

This really was a once in a lifetime experience. We were credentialed Special Olympics volunteers and worked 4 separate dates during the World Games. We were in and around McCarthy Quad and Healthy Athletes tents and festival at USC conducting a Special Olympics Athlete Survey. In only 4 days, I met more athletes, coaches, translators, trainers, family/​friends from around the globe than I ever have in any period of time during my life.
It was an absolutely fantastic way of helping to collect important info from these incredible athletes. Working beside my son was so much fun, and watching his patience and ability to work with the athletes to complete the surveys brought me so much joy. Seeing how so many of the athletes were so appreciative to have their voices heard and participate in such a special, first ever to be done, survey was heartwarming.
As an athlete myself having the opportunity to meet and speak with so many fascinating people from so many different countries, even despite the very obvious language barrier that presents itself when working any global event, was very rewarding. I would not take back those 4 days for anything in this world. I also believe it was such a great experience for my son to take part in during his summer vacation. Teaching our children to give back and how to make an impactful difference from a young age is extremely important.
Here are some of the countries I had the pleasure of working with: Puerto Rico, Barbados, Canada, USA, Egypt, Finland, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Peru, China, Namibia, Nigeria, Spain, Denmark, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Brazil, Kenya, Dominica, Morocco and more. Out of the above listed countries I have only traveled within Canada, Spain, and Morocco so meeting so many people from so many other countries was so much fun to experience in my hometown.
I’d highly, highly suggest choosing Special Olympics as a positive forum to give back to. It’s such a rewarding experience and the athletes absolutely love every minute of your support, encouragement, smiles and high fives! So fortunate to have been a part of this experience.

I had an amazing time at the Opening Ceremony. The colosseum was packed and the energy was great. I was excited to see Stevie Wonder, but Avril Lavigne sounded incredible. The crowd cheered regardless of what country walked the red carpet. The music, dancing, fireworks and food were a perfect touch and just added to everyone’s excitement. I should’ve brought a camera though since my phone’s battery could not compete with the amount of people and signals bouncing around in there. It died within the first 2 hours I imagine. I enjoyed myself nevertheless. This was a great start to the Special Olympics World Games.

Amazing experience for my son and myself. We cheered on the Peru girls volleyball team and it was an experience he will remember forever! I will be coming back and volunteering next year! Everyone was so happy :)

Since hearing that LA was going to host the Special Olympics World Games, we were excited about attending.
We weren’t able to attend the Opening Ceremony though.
From the news coverage, it looked like we missed an awesome event. Would have loved to see the parade of nations!
The next day, we made up for it by going to the LA Convention Center (South Hall) for the table tennis, badminton & bocce games.
(Sidenote: My husband loves table tennis and plays tourneys at work. Team Name– «Big Paddles, Small Balls»)
All three sports were in divided sections in the hall. Plenty of room for all the spectators & participants.
Had fun mingling with the athletes & delegations from all over!
Sat with Moroccans at the table tennis games surrounded by team members from Senegal, Mongolia, Egypt, Qatar, Bangladesh and other countries.
Chatted with a coach from Curaçao while my husband was in the Toyota game booth line to win a special edition water bottle. Toyota also had a display car that everyone was invited to help decorate.
I added this in for my city’s guests from Germany.
Some lovely folks from the UK were kind enough to explain the game of bocce to me.
Since it was Sunday, we found free street parking 3 blocks to the east of the venue. There were also lots priced from $ 5-​$ 15 nearby.
Foodwise, there was a café in the hall which had some pretty decent offerings and a Groundworks organic coffee stand on the same level. I love Groundworks and scurried right over for a blended iced coffee.
Admission– free!
Here’s the homepage for the event–
And, the schedule (venues, games & entertainment) —
The games are on until August 2^nd. Come cheer on the athletes and welcome the delegations to our wonderful SoCal!