The first International Special Olympics was held in 1968 in Chicago, thanks to the work of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, in order to highlight the talents and abilities of those with intellectual or physical disabilities.
Forty-seven years later, the Special Olympics boasts 6,500 athletes hailing from 165 countries to compete in numerous sports and events. This year, there were athletic competitions for 25 different sports, including equestrian, bowling, bocce ball and weightlifting.
An estimated 500,000 people came out to show their support and watch the competition in Los Angeles, leading its organizers to believe that it will be the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world this year.
These are some scenes from the inspirational athletes and supporters at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.
Representatives of players pass the torch during the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games. The event gathers over 6,500 athletes from 165 countries and regions, taking part in 25 athletic events. (Photo: Chine Nouvelle/SIPA/Newscom)
Agnes Lekaleka from Special Olympics Malawi reacts as she crosses the finish line in the ladies’ 100-meter final division.
(Photo: Diego Azubel/EPA/Newscom)
Runners finish out their race in one of the events hosted by the Special Olympics. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
Olivia Quigley won the gold medal for the 100-meter competition, She wore an American flag scarf over her head. Quigley has been going through chemotherapy for breast cancer. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
A tennis player for the USA drills the ball down the baseline during his match. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
USA basketball player goes for the dunk during a game. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
Opposing team members shake hands after finishing their basketball game. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
Gymnast Lee Dockins practices her splits while going through her routine in preparation for the competition. (Photo: Diego Azubel/EPA/Newscom)
A soccer player for the USA performs a corner kick during her match. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
The USA soccer team celebrate their win with their cheering fans. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
A USA player celebrates directly after making a goal. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
A man throws himself over the hurdle in the high jump event. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
Two competitors race to be the first to finish in a kayaking event. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
A patriotic supporter cheers on kayakers. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
A cheerleader tries to energize the crowd as they walk in to the World Games family reception. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
The group of athletes run from the beach into the water to compete in a swimming competition. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
An excited supporter congratulates a Special Olympics athlete after a swimming competition. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
Equestrian is one of the many sports offered by the Special Olympics. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
An USA volleyball player spikes the ball over the head of his opponent. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
Volleyball players for the USA celebrate after a victory. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
Two indoor swimmers race against the clock and each other to win the medal. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
A runner celebrates crossing the finish line of a triathlon. (Photo: Flickr/SpecialOlympicsUSA)
