Deloitte LLP Supports Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015, a Culmination of a Five-Year Strategic Collaboration

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Jul 24, 2015, 08:00 ET

NEW YORK, July 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Deloitte LLP is proud to support Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015), taking place from July 25 to August 2, 2015. Deloitte was closely involved in preparing the winning bid that brought the 2015 Special Olympics to Los Angeles and has committed pro bono services to aid in the planning and execution of the event.

"We are honored to be part of a coalition of organizations and individuals who have worked tirelessly to create a global forum to showcase and celebrate athletes who overcome unbelievable odds every day with determination and perseverance," said Michelle Kerrick, managing partner, Los Angeles office, Deloitte LLP, and board member of LA2015. "Deloitte applauds the nearly 7,000 athletes from across the world who represent the unbridled spirit of sportsmanship, and wish them all the very best luck in the Games."

Five years ago, Deloitte professionals assisted in the development of the financial section of the winning bid to host the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. This included building a preliminary 2015 budget and a financial viability plan for one of the largest sports and humanitarian events in the world. Since winning the bid, Deloitte provided support to LA2015 through a variety of planning projects that include business plan development, strategy development, budgeting and planning work, tax services and operational planning.

"LA2015 wouldn't be possible without the unwavering commitment of organizations like Deloitte who are committed to creating a world stage for a group of inspirational athletes," said Patrick McClenahan, president and CEO of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. "Deloitte's involvement from the initial bid and throughout the entire planning process leading up to the Opening Ceremony was instrumental in working towards a successful Special Olympics."

The LA2015 World Games is expected to be the world's largest sports and humanitarian event in 2015, hosting nearly 6,500 athletes from 165 countries, 30,000 volunteers and nearly 500,000 spectators from 170 countries. LA2015 will feature 25 Olympic-style sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region.

Deloitte is the presenting sponsor of the LA2015 World Games Festivals hosted on the campuses of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC). The festivals will include interactive and entertaining events such as live musical performances, cultural education and demonstrations, interactive technology and gaming, sponsor activations, family-friendly activities.

At the Deloitte pavilion located at the Alumni Park at USC and the Wilson Plaza at UCLA, Deloitte's Greenhouse, an immersive program designed to accelerate business breakthroughs, will have virtual reality innovations on hand for demonstrations. These insights offer unique opportunities for accessibility and independence for people with disabilities.

About the 2015 Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015)
With 6,500 athletes and 2,000 coaches representing 165 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games ― being staged in Los Angeles July 25 – Aug. 2, 2015 ― will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games, with the unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, joy and displays of courage and skill that are hallmarks of all Special Olympics events, will feature 25 Olympic-style sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region. The Opening Ceremony, to be held July 25, 2015 in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, was the site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games. For more information on the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.LA2015.org and on social with #ReachUpLA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports, every day around the world. We empower people with intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Using sports as the catalyst and programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and intolerance. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown to more than 4.5 million athletes in 170 countries. With the support of more than 1.3 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32 Olympic-type sports and more than 94,000 games and competitions throughout the year. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org. Engage with us on: Twitter @specialolympics, fb.com/specialolympics, youtube.com/specialolympicshq, instagram.com/specialolympics and specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com.

About Deloitte
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including 80 percent of the Fortune 500. Our people work across more than 20 industry sectors to deliver measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to make their most challenging business decisions with confidence, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society.

As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.

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