Five must see Special Olympics World Games events

The 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games officially commence on July 25 in Los Angeles, California. The 2015 Games will feature competitions in aquatics, gymnastics, track and field, basketball, tennis, and various other summer sports.

After long weeks of preparation, Los Angeles opens its arms wholeheartedly to welcome 6,500 Special Olympics athletes from 165 nations to compete in 25 Olympic-type sports including:

• Aquatics
• Athletics
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Beach Volleyball
• Basketball
• Bocce
• Bowling
• Cycling
• Equestrian
• Football (Soccer)
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Judo
• Kayaking
• Open Water Swim
• Powerlifting
• Rollerskating
• Sailing
• Table Tennis
• Team Handball
• Tennis
• Triathlon
• Softball
• Volleyball

Here are the top five most interesting sports to look out for:

5. Bowling: A very common sport around the world that will bring the fun and anticipation. Athletes have the opportunity to roll the ball down a supportive medal guide that will take the ball down the alley. The highest number at the end of the games will walk away with the gold.

Date and Location: July 26th-31st 9:00am-7:00pm, Downtown, Lucky Strike, LA Live.

4. Gymnastics: Displaying physical ability with strong coordination and fitness can be a challenging task! However, if you enjoy the exhibition of keen coordination and the demonstration of physical agility, then look forward to the male and female gymnastics competition.

Date and Location: July 26th-28th, & August 1st, 9:00am-7:00pm, UCLA John Wooden Center.

3. Powerlifting: It’s true that weightlifting isn’t easy, and to be a nationally qualified for this event you need to have power. Enjoy watching men and women put their all into lifting over 300 pounds. See if these athletes can redeem their years of hard work and dedication for medals!

Date and Location: July 27th – August 1st 9:00am-5:00pm, Downtown, Los Angeles Convention Center.

2. Basketball: Worldly recognized as a sport full of many different styles and talents, the Special Olympics will bring the best of the best to compete for the gold! Traditional 5-on-5 or 3-on-3 will be displayed at the World Games, as over 165 nations will be competing in this sport.

Date and Location: July 25th – August 1st 8:00am-12:00pm, USC Galen Center.

1. Team Handball: If you enjoy the setting of a basketball game combined with the rough play of rugby then you will love team handball. Two teams, seven players on the court, including a goalie per team. The players have to throw the designated ball past the goalkeeper in hopes of it going into their opponent’s goal. Players can advance the ball by throwing it from player to player down the court. Traditionally, the games are two halves both 30 minutes a piece. What you don’t expect is the sudden rough tackling and shoving that may occur at any moment

Date and Location July 26th – August 1st 9:00am-7:00pm, Downtown, Los Angeles Convention Center.