On 25 July, the World Summer Games in Los Angeles kick off with 6,500 Special Olympians competing. Across the world people working with adults with special needs recognise the power of sport to inspire hope, build confidence and courage and change the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities. On 19 June Pope Francis held an audience for Italy's 150 Special Olympics athletes who are travelling to Los Angeles to compete. Pope Francis reflected, ‘It is beautiful and meaningful that young people and adults of every ability find in sport and participation in competitions, including at an international level, an incentive to live their life fully.’ Chancellor Angela Merkel met with the German Special Olympics athletes and coaches at the Federal Chancellery before they left for Los Angeles and wished them good luck for their participation. Special Olympics Great Britain is sending 115 athletes to the games.