Special Olympics Torch Run Ceremony at the Civic Center

This is your official invitation to attend the Special Olympics Torch Run Ceremony at the Civic Center on July 20, at 12:15 pm.  The torch will be passed off to Newport Beach at approximately 1200 at the corner of Marguerite and Pacific Coast Highway.  As the runners enter the Civic Center, City employees and citizens of Newport Beach will welcome them into the Community Room for a ceremony to show our support of the Special Olympics.  At this ceremony we will hear from the Mayor, Police Chief, and a Special Olympics athlete about the significance of the Final Leg Torch Run and its relationship with the upcoming Summer Games.  Refreshments will be served at this ceremony as well.  The City of Newport Beach is also a Host City for the Special Olympics World Games, and will be hosting two countries for three days before the opening ceremony.

The actual World Games will begin with the Torch arriving at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 25 for the opening ceremonies.  The Special Olympics World Games will consist of 25 events over a 9 day period, with over 7,000 athletes arriving from all over the world, representing 170 countries.  There will also be 3,000 coaches, 30,000 volunteers, 5,000 honored guests, 2,000 media representatives, and over 500,000 spectators participating in this event as well.  This event will give these athletes the opportunity to showcase their talent, skills, determination and courage on a global stage.  ESPN will be televising the World Games.  The World Games will be the largest event hosted by Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympics.

Please consider taking the time to come out and encourage these athletes on July 20.  If you have never participated in a Special Olympics event, I can promise you that you will be uplifted and inspired by the spirit and joy that these athletes bring to the stage.  This is our opportunity to help these athletes live out their dreams and show them that we are here to support them!  For information, please call (949) 644-3710.