Special Olympics World Games Will Boost LA Economy

The Special Olympics  will generate at least $415 million for the local economy when Los Angeles hosts the games in 2015, according to a study released Thursday.

The event is expected to generate $128 million from visitors, $23 million from athletes and delegates, $34 million from hiring staff and $28 million from the production of the games, according to the study commissioned by the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board. Increased business for taxis, airport shuttles and restaraunts are expected to bring in another $202 million.

"The Special Olympics is all about inclusion and acceptance, and these qualities are in Los Angeles' DNA," Mayor Antonio Villraigosa said.

Events will held over nine days from July 24 to August 2. Athletes will be housed at UCLA and USC.

The games are expected to bring 7,000 athletes and 500,000 spectators to the L.A. area.

"Special Olympics is all about acceptance and inclusion, and that's what LA is about," said Marc Grossman, Senior Vice President, Special Olympics.

"LA is one of the most diverse cities on earth, it's one of the most tolerant cities on earth. The Special Olympics promotes acceptance and highlighting the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities, so the match is perfect."

This is the first time the Special Olympics have been hosted in the United States since 1999, when the games were held in Raleigh, N.C. This year's games were hosted in South Korea.