WHEREAS, The Special Olympics is a nonprofit organization that serves over 4.4 million athletes around the world every year; and

WHEREAS, The City of Los Angeles will serve as host to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games from July 25, 2015, through August 2, 2015; and

WHEREAS, The City of Los Angeles will welcome more than 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from 170 nations to compete in 25 Olympic-type sports; and

WHEREAS, Leading up to the Opening Ceremony, an international team of approximately 140 law enforcement runners and Special Olympics athletes will carry a torch, known as the Flame of Hope, throughout the state of California to spread the message of Special Olympics; and

WHEREAS, The Flame of Hopes journey will begin at the State Capitol in Sacramento and will end at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles 13 days later; and

WHEREAS, The Flame of Hope will pass through scores of cities, towns, and communities throughout California to promote and celebrate the Special Olympics important message of acceptance and inclusion worldwide; and

WHEREAS, The 2015 Special Olympics World Games unites the world through sports in a celebration of the abilities and accomplishments of people with intellectual and physical disabilities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly recognizes the honor and privilege for the State of California to host the 2015 Special Olympics World Games; and be it further

Resolved, That the Assembly welcomes and embraces all athletes participating in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games; and be it further

Resolved, That California state agencies and departments are hereby encouraged to provide any necessary assistance and support to ensure the safety and success of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Governor, and to the author for appropriate distribution throughout the state.

WHEREAS, The Special Olympics is a nonprofit organization that serves over 4.4 million athletes around the world every year; and

WHEREAS, The City of Los Angeles will serve as host to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games from July 25, 2015, through August 2, 2015; and

WHEREAS, The City of Los Angeles will welcome more than 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from 170 nations to compete in 25 Olympic-type sports; and

WHEREAS, Leading up to the Opening Ceremony, an international team of approximately 140 law enforcement runners and Special Olympics athletes will carry a torch, known as the Flame of Hope, throughout the state of California to spread the message of Special Olympics; and

WHEREAS, The Flame of Hopes journey will begin at the State Capitol in Sacramento and will end at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles 13 days later; and

WHEREAS, The Flame of Hope will pass through scores of cities, towns, and communities throughout California to promote and celebrate the Special Olympics important message of acceptance and inclusion worldwide; and

WHEREAS, The 2015 Special Olympics World Games unites the world through sports in a celebration of the abilities and accomplishments of people with intellectual and physical disabilities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly recognizes the honor and privilege for the State of California to host the 2015 Special Olympics World Games; and be it further

Resolved, That the Assembly welcomes and embraces all athletes participating in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games; and be it further

Resolved, That California state agencies and departments are hereby encouraged to provide any necessary assistance and support to ensure the safety and success of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Governor, and to the author for appropriate distribution throughout the state.

Date of Hearing: July 14, 2015

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS, TOURISM, AND INTERNET MEDIA

Ian Charles Calderon, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:HR 27 (

Author:Jones-Sawyer) – As Introduced Ver:July 6, 2015

SUBJECT: Special Olympics.

SUMMARY: Recognizes the honor and privilege of California hosting and states the Assembly welcomes and embraces all athletes of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games and urges state agencies and departments to provide assistance and support to ensure their safety and success. Specifically, this resolution:

1. Recognizes that the Special Olympics is a nonprofit organization that serves over 4.4 million athletes around the world every year.

2. Declares that the City of Los Angeles will serve as host to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games from July 25, 2015, through August 2, 2015.

3. Further declares that the City of Los Angeles will welcome more than 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from 170 nations to compete in 25 Olympic-type sports.

4. Provides that an international team of approximately 140 law enforcement runners and Special Olympics athletes will carry a torch, known as the “Flame of Hope,” throughout the state of California to spread the message of Special Olympics leading up to the Opening Ceremony.

5. States that the Flame of Hope’s journey will begin at the State Capitol in Sacramento and will end at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles 13 days later.

6. States that the Flame of Hope will pass through scores of cities, towns, and communities throughout California to promote and celebrate the Special Olympics’ important message of acceptance and inclusion worldwide.

7. Declares that the 2015 Special Olympics World Games unites the world through sports in a celebration of the abilities and accomplishments of people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown

COMMENTS: The author states the following on behalf of this resolution, "With 7,000 athletes and 3000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Game will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015. The Special Olympics will happen in Los Angeles, California from July 25-August 2, 2015, and will be the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games."

The Association of Regional Center Agencies states in their strong support, "The Special Olympics is a pinnacle event for the community of people with intellectual disabilities. First held on July 20, 1968, at Soldier Field in Chicago, the Special Olympics came from years of work by Eunice Kennedy Shriver – a long-time advocate for people with disabilities. Today, over 4 million athletes participate in tens of thousands of competitions around the world. From amongst them, over 7,000 people from 170 nations will compete in this year’s Special Olympics World Games, in Los Angeles.

"The prestige of the Special Olympics makes it instrumental in bringing people with intellectual disabilities into the public eye. Their athletic abilities remind us all that their disabilities are second to their personhood. Additionally, the Special Olympics coordinates a Host Town Program, an opportunity for local communities to host athletes from around the world.

"The inclusive, multi-cultural, and unifying effects of the Special Olympics makes hosting them a signal honor for all Californians. It is a unique chance to uplift people with intellectual disabilities, and we deeply appreciate your recognition of this rare opportunity to support one of the most public stages for people (with disabilities) to demonstrate their abilities."

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Association of Regional Center Agencies

Opposition

There is no opposition on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Dana Mitchell / A.,E.,S.,T., & I.M. / (916) 319-3450