The Special Olympics is coming to the Santa Clarita Sports Complex on Friday for a basketball game hosted by WWE, event officials announced Wednesday.
Approximately 15 athletes in their late teens to early thirties from Special Olympics Southern California will play in the game, which is set to be coached by WWE wrestlers Mark Henry and Alicia Fox, officials said.
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“We realized our athletes are huge WWE fans, so for WWE to support our athletes and use their reach, their divas and superstars to shine a light on our athletes and raise awareness about them is really important,” said Amie Dugan, a spokeswoman for Special Olympics North America. “It not only tells our athletes that WWE think they’re important, but it also helps to show the community that they have these incredible, inspiring athletes right there in their own backyard.”
Related Article: Santa Clarita To Host 2015 Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles
Between three and five athletes will participate in a shooting content against WWE wrestlers at halftime, and after the game, Henry and Fox will spend time with the athletes, sign autographs and take pictures, officials said.
WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon and WWE announcer Renee Young are also set to participate in the event.
“WWE supports Special Olympics’ year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities,” according to a WWE news release. “(Special Olympics gives) them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”
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