30,000 Volunteers Sought As Special Olympics Come To LA For 1st Time
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — For the first time ever, Los Angeles will play host to the Special Olympics, after the games' organization officially established a new headquarters in the Southland.
Two floors of the US Bank Tower in Downtown LA, the tallest building in the Western United States, have been transformed into the new headquarters for the Special Olympics.
"I compete in four sports now, but my favorite in swimming," Caley Versfelt said.
Versfelt is now a receptionist for the organization, after having spent time and commitment competing in the games.
"Being here makes me so happy and so proud of what I've accomplished in my life, and I could be in tears right now," Versfelt said.
July 2015 will mark the first time in history that Los Angeles will host the games.
"It's a remarkable opportunity for the city of Los Angeles," Special Olympics World Games President and CEO Patrick McClenahan said. "This is the largest sporting event Los Angeles has hosted since the 1984 Olympics, but (it will be) for Special Olympics. So we believe it will be the most inspiration event of all time for the city."
McClenahan says that volunteers are being accepted for the games.
"Volunteerism is really key in Special Olympics," McClenahan said.
The organization is seeking 30,000 volunteers to help with the games.
