Starting this week, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games are officially underway in Los Angeles with over 6,500 athletes and 2,000 coaches representing 165 countries will be attending the games from July 25-August 2, 2015. The Special Olympics World Games will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015.
Sky forward Elena Delle Donne has a unique connection with the Special Olympics as she was named a Special Olympics ambassador in February 2014 and because of her sister Lizzie Delle Donne.
“I’m so proud to serve as a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics given their mission is so important to me,” said Elena Delle Donne in 2014. “My sister Lizzie has an intellectual disability and I’ve always loved working with Special Olympics and being able to get on the court and see young people with and without intellectual disabilities passing the ball and playing together.”
Lizzie Delle Donne, Elena’s older sister, was born blind and deaf with cerebral palsy and autism. Lizzie is a tremendous source of inspiration for Elena. Elena got her degree in Special Education from the University of Delaware because of Lizzie and has a passion for helping people with special needs.
During the recent All-Star weekend Delle Donne spoke on the importance of the Special Olympics and the importance of supporting the World Games over the next two weeks.
“It’s so special that these athletes are still able to achieve their dreams and persevere through so many disabilities,” said Delle Donne. “They’re people we can learn from and instead of complaining about an ailment or an illness, they attack their dreams with a huge smile on their face.”
Delle Donne finally wanted to give the thousands of athletes who are competing one last final message:
“Good luck to all the special athletes competing from across the world. This is absolutely amazing what is going to be going down in Los Angeles over the next couple of weeks and I’ll be watching as a fan. You’re inspiring all of us athletes as well.”