Special Olympics

Thousands of athletes said goodbye to Los Angeles on Sunday in an emotional closing ceremony for the Special Olympics marked by cheers, tears and pride

Some 6,500 athletes from 165 countries — the most to converge on Los Angeles since the 1984 Summer Olympics — have poured into town this week to hit tennis balls, kick soccer balls, swim laps, ride horses, lift weights, even run a triathlon in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games

Nathaniel Hood stood up on the podium and smiled as the gold medal was placed around his neck, the national anthem playing softly in the background.

There is an innocence found among the mentally challenged that does not fade at childhood’s end, and the kind glisten in their eyes is enough to melt the heart of any parent.

In less than one week, law enforcement officials and Special Olympics athletes will carry the Special Olympics torch down the streets of Washington, D.C.

Athletes at the Special Olympics received a special visit from NBA’s 2008 Draft prospects at a clinic Wednesday.