Several cities in the county to be host towns for special olympics program
San Luis Obispo County to open doors for Special Olympics athletes
– Cities in San Luis Obispo County including Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo will be participating in the Special Olympics World Games Host Town program from July 21 – 24, 2015.
Before the Special Olympics World Games begin on July 25, 2015, more than 7,000 athletes from 177 countries will be welcomed to Southern California through the program. One hundred communities from San Luis Obispo County to San Diego will have the honor of being selected as an official host town.
“We are thrilled to see so many communities eager to participate in this integral component of the World Games,” said Patrick McClenahan, president and chief executive officer of the Games Organizing Committee. “The Host Town program will not only create lasting memories for these athletes and coaches from around the world, but leave a lasting legacy for the communities who are opening their doors, hearts and minds to host these inspiring athletes.”
As a Host Town, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo will be able to showcase the unique qualities that make their cities so incredible. World Games Athletes will be able to get the best of each of the cities – all the things local residents get to enjoy daily.
July 21- 6:30 p.m.- 7 p.m. Atascadero Lake Park Bandstand during music in the park
July 22- 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m. Rotary bandstand Heritage Square Park 205 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande CA
July 22- 7:30 p.m.- 9 p.m. Pismo State Beach, Grand Avenue Entrance, Grover Beach
July 23- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Morro Bay Del Mar Park
July 23- 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.- Mission Plaza, San Luis Obispo
The public is invited to attend all of the events listed above.
The host town program has been an important element of Special Olympics World Games since 1995, and the experience has left a lasting impression on the local communities in Ireland, Japan, China, Greece, South Korea and the United States, all of which have previously organized host town programs as part of the Special Olympics World Games.
Communities were evaluated on the availability of lodging accommodations, sports practice facilities and recreation/entertainment offerings for the athletes, among other criteria. Host towns are also responsible for planning activities for the athletes to introduce them to the community and help spread the word about the games.
San Luis Obispo County joined the list of officially proclaimed host towns, which includes Long Beach, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Studio City, Manhattan Beach, West Covina, Arcadia, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, La Mirada, Glendale, Palm Springs, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Irvine, Downey, Whittier, Simi Valley, Fountain Valley, Pasadena, Huntington Beach, Fullerton and Solvang.
