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Competition gets underway at Special Olympics World Games

Competition gets underway at Special Olympics World Games 2015 in Los Angeles, after a spectacular opening ceremony on Saturday 26 July at L.A. Coliseum. First Lady, Michelle Obama officially opened the games and welcomed over 100 GB athletes with intellectual impairments, alongside thousands more from around the world.

The sporting action got underway at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, ahead of the opening ceremony on Saturday 26 July. GB athletes were along some of the teams and individuals involved in the early athletics, table tennis and swimming events.

Michelle Moran (pictured left) won the first medal for the GB team at the games, with a silver medal in the 50m breaststroke. This was quickly followed up by another silver medal for Jonathon Taylour (pictured right) in the 25m backstroke.

Picture shows Michelle Moran and Jonathon Taylour holding up their silver medals at World Summer Games.
The opening ceremony took place on Saturday 26 July at L.A. Coliseum, where Michelle Obama welcomed thousands of athletes with intellectual impairments. Taking place in the heart of Los Angeles, the ceremony was star studded affair with icons from the film, music and entertainment industry coming together to celebrate the games. 

First Lady, Michelle Obama said:

'Special Olympics is about unity.  These World Games are a reflection of that unity and that we are all in this together.  We can bring out the best in each other.  My husband and I are so proud of you and we cannot wait to see everything you accomplish in the days ahead and in your lives ahead.'


Stevie Wonder, Avril Lavigne and Nicole Scherzinger are just a few of the names that performed during the ceremony, to celebrate the sporting endeavour of each athlete taking part in the 2015 World Summer Games.

Over the next 7 days, 7,000 athletes from 177 countries will compete in 25 sport events, at 27 venues across Los Angeles. It is the largest gathering of athletes in Los Angeles since the 1984 Summer Olympic Games.

The Special Olympics GB World Games team of over 100 athletes with a learning disability from England, Scotland and Wales, will compete in 19 sports.

The English Federation of Disability Sport wishes the Special Olympics GB team and all the supporting staff a fantastic Games.

Photo credit: Special Olympics Great Britain

Active Summer Fun campaign banner with an athlete in a canoe. Logo Special Olympics GB

Follow all the World Games' news on their website and join the conversation on social media with #TEAMSOGB.
Special Olympics GB works in partnership with Mencap Sport to form the English Learning Disability Sport Alliance (ELDSA). The two National Disability Sport Organisations work together to promote sport and physical activity opportunities for people with a learning disability.