Arcadia selected as an LA 2015 Host Town, providing culture, training and accommodations to international athletes in July 2015
The City of Arcadia and The Arcadia Chamber of Commerce announced today that the community has been officially selected to participate 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 “Host Town” program. One hundred communities from San Luis Obispo to San Diego will have the honor of being selected as an official Host Town.
“The Host Town program is an exciting way for Southern California locals to open our doors and show the athletes and coaches from around the world our hospitality and our culture,” said Patrick McClenahan, president and chief executive officer of LA2015, the Games Organizing Committee. “This is an important part of the World Games experience and a truly meaningful way for different communities to be part of the Games and create lasting memories for our visiting athletes.”
As a Host Town, Arcadia will display the best of Southern California to World Games athletes and coaches, showcasing everything from the Santa Anita Park horse race track and San Gabriel Valley’s most distinctive Westfield Santa Anita mall, to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and even an outdoor concert on the lawn at City Hall. The city will provide security, offer to help find solutions to transportation needs and coordinate with the Arcadia School District to offer practice and training facilities. In addition, Arcadia Chamber of Commerce member hotels, including Embassy Suites Arcadia, Hilton Garden Inn, and Santa Anita Inn, have agreed to be Host Town lodging partners, providing 50 rooms and numerous breakfasts for 100 athletes and coaches.
“This is an honor for Arcadia, and the community is proud to help celebrate and support such inspiring athletes in this global event,” said Mayor John Wuo.
“Arcadia Chamber business members are pleased to unite in support of this terrific showcase of the world’s biggest Special Olympics event and the biggest sporting event of any kind in 2015,” added Denise Weaver, president of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce.
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.
LA2015 is actively identifying potential Host Town candidates to be considered for the program. Communities are 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. More Host Town selections will be announced in the coming weeks.
Communities interested in serving as Host Towns can learn more by visiting the World Games website at www.LA2015.org/host-town.
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