Special Olympics Ceremony Draws 62,000, Including First Lady

The opening ceremony for the Special Olympics World Games was held last night at L.A. Memorial Coliseum, where 6,500 athletes from 165 delegations "basked in the constant cheers from 62,338 fans." Special Olympians' "joyous presence overshadowed the sort of opening ceremony stuff that is usually the big story during traditional Olympics." President Obama "spoke via video" and First Lady Michelle Obama "showed up to close the ceremonies with words of inspiration" (L.A. TIMES, 7/26).

Former Sabres Owner Tom Golisano announced the "single largest private donation in the Special Olympics' 47-year history," a $25M gift to "expand health care services around the world for people with intellectual disabilities" (ESPN.com, 7/25). Meanwhile, the Chargers and 49ers "are both sponsoring delegations at the Special Olympics World Games," while the Raiders "are hosting an interactive fan zone and putting on a football clinic" (ESPN.com, 7/23).