SANTA MONICA—Los Angeles has officially been named the site of the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

Santa Monica has been chosen as one of the host towns, providing some of the best attractions the city has to offer to Special Olympic delegations from across the globe.

The decision was announced December 4 by Special Olympics Officials, including athletes, sponsors, city officials, and volunteers. The city was presented the Special Olympics Host Town Flag, cementing a monumental honor and commitment upon a community responsible for networking and planning the quadrennial event.

The 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games took place in Athens, Greece. The last games held in the United States were the 1999 Special Olympics, held in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Volunteer effort has historically been instrumental in the success of past events. Those interested in volunteering for the 2015 games can apply at www.LA2015.org/volunteer.