The Special Olympics World Games kicked off Saturday in Southern California.

The event happens every four years and is bringing thousands of participants from around the globe to Los Angeles.

The games were founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968 and President Patrick McCleanahan says her mission of accepting people with intellecutual disabilities remains strong.

More than 6,500 athletes from around 177 countries are participating in this year's games.

The participants will compete in 25 Olympic-style sports at venues across Southern California.

 

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