Special Olympics Summer Games kick off in Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- The Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games kicked off in Long Beach Saturday.

About 1,100 athletes were in attendance for the opening ceremonies. Many of those athletes walked through a crowd of supporters including uniformed law enforcement officers from all over Southern California.

The athletes are competing in several events such as track and field, gymnastics and basketball. For every athlete, there are a dozen family members and friends cheering them on.

The Special Olympics World Games begin July 25 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Anyone wishing to help or sponsor an athlete can do so at abc7.com/specialolympics.