Point Loma Nazarene University welcomed 177 athletes and delegates this week to its San Diego campus in conjunction with the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015), which begins on July 25.

In advance of Saturday’s Opening Ceremonies, more than 7,000 athletes from 177 countries were welcomed to Southern California through the Host Town program. One hundred communities were selected as an official Host Town, including seven in San Diego County. The San Diego Point Loma Host Town, under the leadership of PLNU Professor Jim Johnson and San Diego Trust Bank Founder Michael Perry, welcomed athletes from Albania, Burkina Faso, and Finland for three days to prepare for the games. The university, through private fundraising, will provide housing, meals, and entertainment.

“PLNU has a long history of support for our local Special Olympics athletes, and we consider it an honor to host each athlete, as they remind us what true courage, joy, and determination looks like,” said Bob Brower, PLNU president.  "For the past 22 years, the Special Olympics Regional Track Meet has taken place on the track at PLNU, making the university a natural partner for the LA2015 Host Town program."

During the athletes’ time on campus, PLNU will provide a variety of host services, from meals and lodging to volunteer buddies for athletes while on and off campus. Multiple San Diego Host Towns met July 22 for an afternoon at the San Diego Zoo, which was followed by a welcome dinner on PLNU’s campus for the San Diego Point Loma Host Town.  Wednesday’s dinner celebration featured a welcome from the city of San Diego and sponsor recognition, while allowing athletes and Host Town supporters the opportunity to visit with one another.

Festivities culminate in a night with the San Diego Padres for all 1,500 athletes and sponsors in the seven San Diego Host Town delegations on Thursday as the Padres take on the Miami Marlins.  Athletes and sponsors will be on hand to throw out honorary first pitches along with a parade of athletes during the pre-game ceremony as the entire community celebrates the inclusion and spirit of LA2015.

Athletes will depart from PLNU on Friday morning to continue their journey north in time for Saturday’s Opening Ceremony. For more information on LA2015 and the Host Town program, visit the LA2015 website. 

--Point Loma Nazarene University