LOS ANGELES -- Some 6,500 athletes from 165 countries -- the most to converge on Los Angeles since the 1984 Summer Olympics -- have poured into town this week to hit tennis balls, kick soccer balls, swim laps and even run a triathlon in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.
But first it's time to party!
A rousing opening ceremony filled with music, inspirational messages and numerous celebrity cameos gets the games going Saturday afternoon at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Nine days of competition in 25 sports follows.
First lady Michelle Obama is delivering Saturday's opening message, followed by performances by Avril Lavigne, Stevie Wonder and others.
But Special Olympics organizers say the real stars of the show will be the athletes from around the world who will be competing.
