Mission Viejo Host Town Program will provide community with opportunity to embrace Special Olympics athletes

The city is preparing for the arrival of nearly 200 Special Olympics athletes from Spain and Indonesia for the Mission Viejo Host Town program.

The 3-day program that begins on July 21 comes before these inspiring athletes compete in the Special Olympics World Games July 25-August 2 in Los Angeles. As part of the Special Olympics Host Town Program, the City of Mission Viejo will roll out the red carpet for the athletes, providing them with cultural and sports activities before they compete on the global stage.

From waving flags during their arrival to bidding the athletes a heartfelt Mission Viejo farewell, the public is invited to embrace the athletes at the following local events:

Torch Run
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 will come through Mission Viejo on July 19 with a 3 p.m. celebration at Florence Joyner Olympiad Park, 22760 Olympiad Road.

Welcome Line
July 22 – 3 to 3:30 p.m.
Lake Mission Viejo (entrance to lake – non-members invited)
22555 Olympiad Road, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Special Olympics athletes will receive a hearty Mission Viejo welcome along Olympiad Road at the entrance to Lake Mission Viejo. Community members are encouraged to wear red, white and blue and sport welcome signs or words of encouragement to embrace the arrival of these athletes. Some flags of Spain and Indonesia will be available to wave as the athletes arrive. Cheering volunteers should check in between 2:30 and 2:45 p.m. by the lake entrance.

80s Concert – Free
July 22 – 6 to 8 p.m.
Lake Mission Viejo (Must be a member to enter)
22555 Olympiad Road, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
During the Lake Mission Viejo concert, 170 delegates from Spain and Indonesia will enjoy music of the 1980s, dancing and a picturesque setting. This is a great opportunity for folks to mingle with the athletes.

Farewell Ceremony
July 24 – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Soka University (at gate – indicate you are there for Special Olympics event)
1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Mission Viejo and South Orange County will send the athletes off in style during a special 9:30 a.m. ceremony at Soka University. Community members are encouraged to sport red, white and blue while waiving country flags for Indonesia and Spain or make signs to cheer them on as they head to compete in the Special Olympics World Games (participants should arrive at 9 a.m.). Topping off the sendoff will be speeches by Mission Viejo Olympic gold medalist Brian Goodell and Joseph Gorin, a 2015 World Games Global Messenger.

Community members who are unable to attend any of these Host Town events can still contribute to the program. Visit https://support.la2015.org/checkout/donation?eid=39078 for details