The Meaning of “Special” in the Olympics World Games
As the 2015 Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles have begun, I am overcome by the many images of courage, triumph, success and joy. What a great honor it is to represent yourself, your family and your country. With 6,500 athletes and 2,000 coaches representing 165 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games is the largest sports and humanitarian event this year. So, what is it about the Special Olympics that makes it so “special”?
We recently attended the California Dreaming – Host City event for the delegates from Cuba and the Czech Republic at the CBS Studio Lot in Studio City, CA. This event was filled with athletes, coaches and support families for both countries, as well as food, drinks and entertainment. Overall, the event was great and proved to be the best taste of the city that the delegates got before the games began. In and of itself, there was more than enough proof as to why the Special Olympics are so “special”. However, it was an interaction that I had with two gentlemen (pictured below) that changed my night and my whole outlook on what makes the Special Olympics so wonderful.
The gentleman to the left is Herbert Jefferson Jr. He is an actor that has starred in roles such as, Battlestar Galactica, Apollo 13 and Outbreak. However, according to him, “Acting is what I do, this [Special Olympics volunteering] is who I am”. What a powerful sentiment, and one that he has definitely supported with action. As he mentioned to me, this year marks his 42nd year volunteering with the Special Olympics. He has participated on every level imaginable and does so because of the beautiful simplicity of those he affects. “The athlete’s love what they do and their interaction with you. It warms my heart each time I have another encounter”. He then proceeded to introduce me to the Czech Republic Coach, who is a brilliant man himself. He has coached for over 2 decades and trains athletes in over 5 events. He thanked me for speaking with him, being welcoming to his athletes and supporting the games. We spoke for about 15 minutes in total and ended our conversation as more of long lost friend, rather than stranger who have just met. Oh, and English was definitely not his first language, though you would never know it from hearing him speak. You could tell that he not only learned multiple languages, but also took great pride in being proficient in them.
It was then that it completely hit me. I know exactly what it is that makes the Special Olympics so very special.
Throughout the remainder of that night and the days following that led up to the Opening Ceremony, I went out of my way to connect with the delegates I came across on a deeper level. Many of them had never been out of their town or state, let alone the country. Most, if not all, had huge aspirations for the games, as well as their life as a whole. It was quite beautiful to see their eyes light up when the conversation went beyond a simple hello. How simple, yet beautiful. After all, the Cuban delegates were making history. Had these games been just a year sooner, there would be no representation present. The Special Olympics is all about what is still right and beautiful in the world. Companionship, support, sportsmanship, unity and celebration all embody the very essence of the Special Olympics World Games. It’s not all about winning and losing, though the athletes are definitely trying to win, but rather the connection and elevation of humanity that is taking place with every event, every day and with every athlete.
BLVD HOTELS AND 2015 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES PARTNER
BLVD Hotels Partners with 2 Host Cities for LA2015
BLVD Hotels, a family of boutique hotels, closed the first half of 2015 with great momentum. Not only did BLVD Hotels have great occupancy through the first quarters of the year, but the brand collective also saw the continued momentum of a very strong charitable campaign season – a season that saw funds and awareness raised for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Susan G Komen Foundation, Movember US and the Festival of Giving through Studio City’s Annual Winter Family Festival in the past 6 months. The philanthropic endeavors are continuing with the brand’s latest supportive partnership with the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.
The games, which are hosted in Los Angeles will be the largest event in the county since the 1984 Olympics were hosted here. Furthermore the:
2015 Special Olympics World Games, the sporting event with 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators – being staged in Los Angeles July 25-August 2, 2015 – will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games, with the unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, joy and displays of courage and skill that are hallmarks of all Special Olympics events, will feature 25 Olympic-style sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region. The Opening Ceremony, to be held July 25, 2015 in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games, is expected to attract 80,000 spectators. On April 30, 2014, LA2015 and ESPN announced a global programming deal that will see ESPN bring coverage of World Games to millions of fans around the world. Honorary Chairs of the Games are President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and California Governor Jerry Brown serving as Honorary Hosts. ~LA2015.org
Being a brand that has a passion towards charitable and philanthropic endeavors, BLVD Hotels joined the Special Olympics World Games as a sponsor. In the city of two of its locations, Studio City and Costa Mesa, BLVD Hotel & Spa and BLVD Hotel, respectively, are participating with the local host city. Their sponsorship, which is a combination of financial and in-kind donations, supports the athletes, coaches and delegates in each of the host city. Special events are taking place for the hosted countries’ athletes, hailing from Czech Republic & Cuba (host city Studio City) and Aruba & Bahamas (host city Costa Mesa). The in-kind donations will be distributed to the athletes, delegates and coaches as these events, as well as opportunities for interaction between athletes, volunteers and city residents.
We take great pride in our charitable efforts and do our best to align our resources with worthy cause. In looking at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, I don’t think there is a cause that speaks more to the family-friendly, community-minded outlook we have as a brand. We are all avid fans of these athletes and their pursuit of greatness and are very proud to say that we are a partner with them. – Colin Diaz, Director of PR, BLVD Hotels
Overall, we are excited about “supporting the world’s most courageous and inspiring athletes as they journey to Los Angeles… to compete in the largest sports and humanitarian event ever, The Special Olympics World Games 2015 in Los Angeles (LA2015)”.
About BLVD Hotels
In 2011, BLVD Hotels opened its first location with BLVD Hotel & Spa in Studio City, CA. Located on historic Ventura Blvd., the hotel has the intimate appeal of a boutique hotel with California-cool characteristics. Its prime location in Studio City makes attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and the Los Angeles Metro Station walking distance away, and close proximity to all business centers in the Southland. In the following years, BLVD Hotels boutique family opened two more location, BLVD Hotel & Suites (2012) in Hollywood, CA which is located near Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Blvd., and Sunset Blvd and BLVD Hotel (2013) in Costa Mesa, CA which is located near John Wayne Airport, South Coast Plaza, OC Fairgrounds and Event Center and the beautiful beaches of Orange County.
BLVD Hotels properties are trendy up-scale boutique hotels with current Southern California locations in Studio City, Hollywood and Costa Mesa. The allure and feel flow through the staff, guestrooms and social commons. With a welcoming and familiar vibe mingling throughout, the hotels pride itself on making every guest stay memorable and one of a kind. It’s one of the reasons the BLVD Hotels exudes Live Beyond Expectation™ experiences.
# # #
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Colin Diaz at 949.682.8604 or email at pr@blvdhotels.com.
BLVD Hotels Blog 