Desert Arc takes clients to Special Olympics World Games opening ceremonies

The opening ceremonies of the Special Olympic World Games in Los Angeles kicked off Saturday.

The star studded event celebrates all the Olympians participating, with the parade of athletes, along with the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron.

Clients and staff from Desert Arc have the once in a lifetime opportunity to attend the ceremonies and cheer on their country. Barbara Baillie is one of 40 people from Desert Arc headed to Los Angeles.

But this isn’t her first time at the games.

“I was involved in 1991 in Minnesota,” Baillie said.

She competed in cycling and said she wishes she got to practice more often.

Baillie said she can’t wait to get to the ceremonies.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the athletes and all the people supporting the Special Olympics,” Baillie said.

Many of her peers were buzzing with anticipation of seeing team U.S.A.

While Desert Arc primarily works to secure employment for those with developmental disabilities. They said their clients social life is equally as important.

“We have a year round social schedule which is just fabulous for our clients every single day of the week. We do sports events which makes a day like today so much more special,” Desert Arc Senior Vice President Mitch Blumberg said.

Sports are a big part of Desert Arc’s activity schedule.

“Bowling is my favorite sport and I play golf and swimming and basketball too,” Desert Arc client Mathew Fritz said.

The games are an opportunity for them to cheer on role models.

“it’s models for them to emulate. They see the respect those athletes get. They’re just thrilled to see people like themselves,” Blumberg said.

Here in the desert we’ve seen the games impact locally.

Palm Springs served as an official host city this year to athletes from Portugal and Bahrain.

The Special Olympics torch, which has traveled the world, made a stop in Palm Springs before continuing through Southern California.

It all culminates at the opening ceremonies, a special celebration Baillie knows well.