In a city known for movie stars and all-stars, next summer Los Angeles will welcome true stars as it hosts the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. The Game’s organizing committee has selected FleishmanHillard as the event’s communications agency of record. Working with the advertising agency of record, Davis Elen, and other partner agencies, FleishmanHillard will work for the next 18 months to highlight the mission and vision of the Special Olympics World Games.

As one of the world’s leading communications firms, FleishmanHillard’s sports business team has been at the center of the playing field for businesses, teams, athletes and leagues for decades. FleishmanHillard’s role includes helping to drive volunteer recruitment efforts, amplifying partner activities, raising awareness and excitement for the event and helping to shine a global spotlight on Special Olympics athletes from around the world before, during and following the Games.

“FleishmanHillard has been a long supporter for Special Olympics globally through our communications support for the World Games in Dublin, the European Games and here in the U.S., the World Games in Minneapolis,” said Ryan Peal, general manager of FleishmanHillard’s Los Angeles office. “We also support our employees who volunteer to support local programs as coaches and volunteers. We are excited to be a part of the 2015 Los Angeles World Games and look forward to making sure the achievements, abilities and perseverance of these athletes are celebrated globally.”

The Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles will open July 25, 2015, and represents the return of the Summer Games to the United States after 16 years of being hosted abroad. The movement Eunice Kennedy Shriver began in 1968 to create a world that is not dominated by those who are excluded but by those who are included has become a global effort. The 7,000 athletes visiting Los Angeles will receive a hero’s welcome from more than 100 communities across Southern California. The Summer Games will feature 25 Olympic-style events at venues throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

“People from all around the world come to Los Angeles to pursue their dreams,” said Patrick McClenahan, president and CEO of 2015 Special Olympics World Games. “For nine days, the world will watch thousands of world-class athletes chase their goals. We are thankful for our partners at FleishmanHillard, who will help raise the awareness of people with intellectual disabilities that leads to acceptance and inclusion. Together, we will showcase the remarkable skills and inspiring passion of Special Olympics athletes.”

Logo courtesy Special Olympics International