Closing Ceremonies Held for Los Angeles Special Olympics; Associated Press via New York Times, 8/3/15

Associated Press via New York Time; Closing Ceremonies Held for Los Angeles Special Olympics:

"Thousands of athletes said goodbye to Los Angeles on Sunday in an emotional closing ceremony for the Special Olympics marked by cheers, tears and pride.

After more than a week of games, athletes from more than 160 countries gathered in chairs on the field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to receive applause and praise for their efforts. Placards from their national delegations were brought in along a giant red carpet.

Some 6,500 athletes took part in contests ranging from weightlifting to soccer. Although not everyone won gold, silver or bronze medals, every competitor received a performance ribbon and a chance to take to the victory stand following their competition. An estimated 500,000 people turned out to watch at venues in and around Los Angeles...

"These Games have been life-changing and we hope that this will only be a spark that will light the world on fire with the enthusiasm, courage and acceptance and inclusion for all people with intellectual disabilities," said Patrick McClenahan, president and chief executive of the games' organizing committee...

The Special Olympics, which began in 1968, was the brainchild of President John Kennedy's sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver. That first year's games in Chicago drew about 1,000 athletes from 26 states and Canada."