2015 Special Olympics World Games gets $250,000 grant

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The 2015 Special Olympics World Games has received a big financial boost to put on the event.

The LA84 Foundation plans to provide a $250,000 grant to cover athlete, equipment and venue expenses, the two groups announced Tuesday.

LA84 Foundation was created with surplus funds from the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Stephanie Hardy, a Special Olympics athlete and former board member in Southern California, joined the organization more than 35 years ago.

"It was very good experience and the people were very nice," Hardy said. "Hopefully, people will understand what the excitement is."

The Special Olympics is expected to draw 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches from around the world from July 25 to Aug. 2.

This year's event will be feature 25 Olympic-style sports across Los Angeles. The opening ceremony will be held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.