Special Olympics athletes from Russia attended a welcome event this past Wednesday at Biola University and chilled with Councilman Larry Mowles.

La Mirada~The City partnered with Biola University to host a welcome event earlier this week at Biola University for 2015 Special Olympic World Games athletes from Russia and Macau.

The event was held this past Wednesday on the Metzger Lawn with lunch provided by Chick Fil-A. Athletes and other attendees socialized and participated in games on the lawn.

Welcome speeches and presentations were given by La Mirada Mayor Pauline Deal, Whittier Mayor Fernando Dutra, Biola President Barry Corey, and delegates from Russia and Macau.

“La Mirada is honored to serve as a Host Town for the 2015 Special Olympics,” said La Mirada Mayor Pauline Deal. “It was a great experience meeting with athletes and delegates from Russia, and we hope they enjoyed their stay in our wonderful City.”

La Mirada served as the host town for Russian athletes and Whittier hosted athletes from Macau. Biola University provided housing for 240 athletes, coaches, and support staff Wednesday through Friday last week in campus dorms. The City hosted two welcome events including the summer concert on Thursday where athletes enjoyed activities including a "mini-oympics."

Athletes had access to train at City facilities, and the City also provided in-town transportation during their stay.

The 2015 Special Olympics World Games is one of the largest events hosted by Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games.  About 7,000 athletes from more than 170 countries will compete in 25 sports during the event.  Opening ceremonies took place yesterday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

La Mirada was one of about 100 Cities throughout Southern California selected to serve as a Host Town.

Community Services Director Lori Thompson, told us on our Periscope broadcast, that with close to 250 athletes, the City had the prestigious honor of hosting the largest delegation of the Special Olympics, “We could not have been a Host Town without Biola’s help, they were essential in the partnership.”

Thompson said La Mirada and Biola University were sought after by many of the delegations after the City was named as a Host Town in May of last year.

The 2015 Special Olympics World Games continue through August 2nd at venues in Long Beach and Los Angeles.