Thousands of volunteers ready to help out at Special Olympics

CARSON, Calif. (KABC) -- The Special Olympics World Games kicks off on July 25 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and the massive event cannot happen without the support of thousands of volunteers.

The nine-day event will feature 7,000 athletes from around the world who will compete in 25 different sporting categories.

On Thursday, more than 8,000 volunteers headed over to the Herbalife Distribution Center in Carson to pick up their official uniforms and security credentials.

Volunteers were given different colored shirts for different assignments at the games. People traveled from as far as Northern California to lend a helping hand.

World Games officials said it is too late for any more volunteers to join, but people can still have a chance to be a Fan in the Stand to cheer on the athletes.

All the sporting events are free. For more information check out abc7.com/specialolympics.