First Lady Michelle Obama to Open 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles

First Lady Michelle Obama will be attending the 2015 Special Olympics World Games (LA2015) Opening Ceremony on July 25 at the historic USC Coliseum as an honorary co-chair.

“The Special Olympics movement is thrilled and honored to have First Lady Michelle Obama join us on the momentous occasion of our 2015 Special Olympics World Games,” shared Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics. “Her vision of wellness, fitness and inclusion of all in sport is at the heart of Special Olympics and will be seen in the spirit of the athletes who travel from over 170 countries to come together for fierce and exciting competition.”

He added, “Her lessons conveying the critical importance of play and action are lessons that we hope all schools across the nation will embrace by welcoming Special Olympics Unified Sports® programs to their gyms, to their playing fields, and to the hearts of all their students.”

The First Lady joins performers Stevie Wonder, Avril Lavigne, Nicole Scherzinger, O.A.R., and Cody Simpson (featuring Special Olympics athlete Breanna Bogucki and YouTube sensation Madison Tevlin). Jimmy Kimmel, Eva Longoria and Michael Phelps are also scheduled to make appearances at the inspirational event in Los Angeles. The show will also air on ESPN and local broadcast partners.

With nearly 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, more than 500,000 spectators are anticipated to attend the World Games from July 25 to August 2.