Deloitte supports 2015 Special Olympics World Games with five-year collaboration

Deloitte is proudly supporting this year's Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles (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, in a statement. "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," stated 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).

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. 

For more information on the 2015 Special Olympics, head to the event's site here.