Huntington Beach welcomes Special Olympics athletes

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Huntington Beach residents gave Australia's Special Olympics delegation a hero's welcome Tuesday night. A huge crowd stayed up late to cheer them on as they arrived.

"I'm just happy to be in America. I've always wanted to come here and here I am," athlete Melissa Theocari said.

The city is one of many Southern California communities hosting delegations for a few days before they head to the dorms at USC and UCLA on Friday.

"We're a city that likes to include everyone and make sure everyone has a great time when they're here," Mayor Jill Hardy said.

Earlier in the day, Loyola Marymount University rolled out the red carpet, as another group of athletes arrived after long flights. Each one received high-fives and cheers.

I'm going to "go out there, represent my country and do my best," said Nicholas McKnight from Trinidad.

Los Angeles is welcoming 7,000 athletes from 177 countries who will compete in 25 events around Southern California over nine days.

On Tuesday, the torch arrived in Long Beach to much fanfare. On Saturday night, it'll be lit at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during an opening ceremony featuring Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Kimmel and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Practices were underway for the biggest event at the Coliseum since the 1984 Olympics.

The competitions are free and open to the public. View the schedule here: www.la2015.org/schedule.