On July 23, the Los Angeles Police Dept. and Valley community leaders in collaboration with my office welcome athletes, law enforcement officers from around the world, and the Special Olympics Flame of Hope to the historic Campo de Cahuenga in Studio City.
With music, fanfare and a little help from the Minions, I proudly hosted the last leg of the Special Olympics Torch Run.
The Special Olympics World Games is an international sports competition for children and adults with disabilities. And every two years, the world transcends the boundaries of geography, nationality, political philosophy, gender, age, culture and religion to come together for one of the world's greatest athletic stages.
Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement uses the power of sports to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. The 2015 World Games will be the single largest event held in the greater LA area since the 1984 Olympic Games.
When the games kick-off on July 25, more than 7,000 athletes from 177 counties who have trained for years and participate in dozens of Olympic-style sports.
It was an honor to celebrate the courage, spirit, and accomplishments of all the athletes and I wish them the best of luck in the upcoming games!