WHAT:         California State University, Northridge student-athletes, Olympians and Matty the Matador will all be on hand to give a hearty send-off to nearly 500 athletes from around the world as they head off to compete in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.

As part of the Special Olympics Host Town program, from July 21-24, CSUN is hosting the largest contingent of 2015 Special Olympics World Games competitors as they train and prepare for the event being held in Los Angeles July 25 through Aug. 2. CSUN will be temporarily home to athletes from Azerbaijan, Hellas (Greece), Malta, Serbia, Venezuela, and Vietnam. CSUN has partnered with multiple communities throughout the San Fernando Valley to make this a memorable experience for the competitors. Partner communities include Chatsworth, Northridge, Reseda, Tarzana, Winnetka and Woodland Hills.

On July 24, the CSUN community will be on hand to cheer the athletes on as they enjoy breakfast on campus, gather their gear and climb onto buses headed to the competition

WHEN:           8:15 to 9 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2015

 WHERE:         

California State University, Northridge

Matador Track & Field Complex — off Lindley Avenue between Lassen and Halsted Streets

Northridge, CA 91330

(Media parking will be available along Lindley Avenue.)

WHO:             

Nearly 500 Special Olympic athletes from around the world

Dozens of CSUN student-athletes

Matty the Matador

CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison

CSUN Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Brandon Martin

Jeff Stork, CSUN’s head women’s volleyball and beach volleyball coach and a three-time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist

Dawn Ellerbe, CSUN’s associate athletic director for marketing, branding and fan engagement and a former track & field Olympian

Media Contacts: CCarmen Ramos Chandler, CSUN Media Relations,  (818) 677-2130, carmen.chandler@csun.edu