FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD SUMMER GAMES LOS ANGELES 2015 Shakespeare gave us the classic epigram, "All the World's a Stage." A stage on which to experience all the moments of a life well lived - To respect and care for others - To endure the slings and arrows of fortune and adversity - To honor righteous accomplishments - To overcome challenges - To celebrate well-earned victories. For the athletes, families and all those affected by intellectual disabilities, nothing less than a legitimate "World Stage" is a fitting place to showcase the drive, spirit and emotional commitment exemplified by Special Olympics. The world can be unified through the collective experience of witnessing their effort, awed by their strength and character, and fundamentally changed by embracing their endeavor. A "World Stage:" A platform on the pinnacle of global attention and focus; a proscenium through which all people and nations share and celebrate the true spirit of acceptance and inclusion. As Special Olympics International considers a city to host its 2015 World Games, we offer for your consideration a community uniquely suited to deliver an unparalleled and world-class experience to the anticipated thousands of visiting Special Olympics athletes, their families and supporters. A thriving, diverse and influential world city that is the center of the Global Media Industry, and unmatched in its suitability to showcase the Special Olympics story to the World: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA can provide a true "World Stage," upon which the 2015 World Games can become a seminal event in the history of the Special Olympics Movement. In a city full of movie stars and all-stars, our athletes will be the stars of this show! Their experience will be unforgettable, both for them and those moved by their efforts. The Games will provide a unique opportunity to showcase not only their athletic skills but also their personalities and abilities to interact with the media and the public. Athletes participating in the 2015 World Games would enjoy access to an array of the nation's finest venues for competition, centrally located accommodations, and among the nation's best public transportation systems to facilitate a flawless execution of the event for participants, spectators, staff, and volunteers alike. Visitors by the millions come annually to enjoy our world-renowned entertainment and educational options, the spectacular natural beauty of our mountains and seashore, and the temperate climate of Southern California. Special Olympics athletes would be enriched on many levels through their experience in our unique and culturally rich city. Virtually every major global entertainment and media conglomerate is based or has operations in Los Angeles. The creative resources, capabilities, decision makers and icons of the industry are here to contribute and provide a global showcase for the critically important mission of Special Olympics. No city has more experience in hosting large scale events than Los Angeles. From major sporting events including the 1984 Olympic Games, to major conventions and iconic entertainment events, LA has the knowledge and ability to stage successful large-scale public activities like no other. Finally, Los Angeles is a socially conscious and engaged civic and business community, ready to step forward with the support necessary on every level to make the 2015 World Games successful...and an enthusiastic populace who revel in the ability to see and become involved with worthy causes. Those who call Los Angeles home are proud to represent a city of global diversity. Ours is a community that embraces and celebrates acceptance and inclusion of people of all cultures, backgrounds and abilities. Los Angeles is truly the land where dreams can come true. A magical place where heart and desire can make the impossible become possible! Surely there is no better "World Stage" on which Special Olympics athletes can see their dreams fulfilled! On behalf of the People of Los Angeles, thank you for your kind consideration, Sincerely, Patrick McClenahan Chairman, LA Bid Committee 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games Chairman, Board of Directors Special Olympics Southern California TABLE OF CONTENTS 2015 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD SUMMER GAMES LOS ANGELES BID BOOK SECTION 1 OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1: National and Regional Characteristics................................................................. 3 Chapter 2: Meteorological Conditions...................................................................................... 6 Chapter 3: Transportation Infrastructure................................................................................ 7 Chapter 4: Safety and Security................................................................................................... 14 Chapter 5: Medical Services....................................................................................................... 22 Chapter 6: History.......................................................................................................................... 28 SECTION 2 PUBLIC AWARENESS Chapter 1: Public Awareness...................................................................................................... 31 SECTION 3 LEADERSHIP, SPORTS, GAMES, EVENTS, OPERATIONS SUPPORT Chapter 1: Leadership and Structure of the Bid Committee............................................. 40 Chapter 2: Competition Venues................................................................................................ 46 Chapter 3: Non-Sports Venues.................................................................................................. 94 Chapter 4: Accommodation Plans............................................................................................ 108 Chapter 5: Information Technologies Considerations....................................................... 111 SECTION 4 SUPPORTING SERVICES Chapter 1: Volunteers and Human Resources..................................................................... 115 Chapter 2: Participant Services................................................................................................. 117 Chapter 3: Finance....................................................................................................................... 119 Chapter 4: Fundraising............................................................................................................... 125 Chapter 5: Endorsement of the Bid........................................................................................ 126 Chapter 6: Vision and Legacy................................................................................................... 127 SECTION I OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION WELCOME TO LOS ANGELES: A CITY OF DREAMS When you think of Los Angeles, you think of show business. This is the land of movie studios, impossibly rich stars, surfers, valet parking, and shopping on Rodeo Drive. However, there is also a rich history in this sun-drenched city that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the downtown skyscrapers and beyond. In 1769, Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola dedicated the new town: Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles - Our Lady the Queen of the Angels. Since then the city has been a colorful melting pot of humanity and cultures. Wagon trains brought pioneers in the mid-1800's, and during the Gold Rush local farmers made their fortunes by supplying hungry prospectors with food. All were drawn to Los Angeles by dreams of untold riches and balmy weather. Some succeeded and invested in the growing city, managing to establish businesses and building the hotels, libraries, museums and theaters that are such an important part of LA's culture and history. The movie industry came to the area in the late 1800's, but it wasn't until filmmakers like D.W. Griffith and Cecil B. DeMille arrived, drawn to the mild climate and long daylight hours, that Hollywood was born. Today, the Native American and Spanish architecture and cultural influences sit comfortably alongside the glitz of "Tinseltown" and the cosmopolitan sophistication of Los Angeles. Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, is a glamorous and magical place with iconic locations such as Hollywood and its many major studios including Disney, Paramount, Universal, MGM, Sony, DreamWorks, and Fox...and major theme parks including Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, and Magic Mountain. Los Angeles is also the sports capital of the world with a tremendous legacy on both the amateur and professional stage. Los Angeles has been the proud home of the Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, Angels, Kings, Ducks, Galaxy and Chivas USA...great college sports programs including USC and UCLA...great sports legends including John Wooden, Rafer Johnson, Ann Meyers- Drysdale, Oscar de la Hoya, Magic Johnson, Janet Evans, and John Naber...great sports announcers including Vin Scully, Chick Hearn, Keith Jackson, Bob Miller, Dick Enberg, and Al Michaels...and great historic events including seven Super Bowls, and the Olympic Games of 1932 and 1984. 1 SECTION 1: OVERVIEW Los Angeles is uniquely suited to host a major event like the World Games. It's a modern, cosmopolitan city, the second largest urban region in the United States. Its stunning locale features 76 miles of coastline, beautiful beaches, the islands of San Clemente and