USC to Help Host Special Olympics in 2015
Athletes for the 2015 Special Olympics will get cozy in USC student housing when the summer games are hosted in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles' role as host was announced Wednesday by Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver during a press conference at Staples Center.
The Special Olympics, created 40 years ago by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, hosts athletes with physical and mental disabilities in athletic competitions similat to the Summer and Winter Olympics.
Over 47,000 people will add to the L.A. population in Summer 2015, with about 7,000 athletes included in the estimated number.
The first Special Olympics were held in 1968. The International Olympic Committee officially recognized the Special Olympics in February of 1988.
Events will be held across the county at various venues including Staples Center and the Home Depot Center, home of the LA Galaxy. USC will share their housing duties with cross-town rival UCLA.
Los Angeles previously hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984.
Video shot by Eleni Press.
