Special Olympics torch lit in Athens; games kick off in July

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The countdown to the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles has officially begun.

The torch was lit Thursday in Athens, Greece. It will travel around the world for the next 73 days and will eventually make its way to the Los Angeles Coliseum.

On July 25, the torch will be used to light the cauldron at the Coliseum, which will kick off the games.

About 7,000 athletes from 177 different countries are coming to the city to compete. Anyone wishing to support the athletes may donate at abc7.com/specialolympics.