The Games take place in the year before the summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, and 7,000 learning disabled athletes will be competing in 21 sports in the US the year before Rio 2016.

This year's Games were held in Athens, and more than half-a-million people are expected to flood to Los Angeles in 2015 to attend the event.

Dr Thimothy Shriver, the chairman of the Special Olympics, said: "On behalf of our entire Special Olympics movement worldwide, I am thrilled to award our 2015 World Games to Los Angeles.

"Bringing our World Games to a city as powerful and prominent on the world stage as Los Angeles will allow our Special Olympics athletes to demonstrate to the world the best in sports."

Shriver signed an agreement with Patrick McClenahan, the chairman of the Los Angeles Bid Committee, with the latter becoming the President and chief executive of the Games' Organising Committee.

"In a city full of movie stars and all-stars, our Special Olympics athletes will be the stars of this show as they demonstrate their skills, courage and joy," said a delighted McClenahan.

"Los Angeles will provide the world stage necessary to create the awareness that leads to increased acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities throughout Southern California, the nation and the world"

Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa added: "We are thrilled and honored to be selected as the international city to host the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games and look forward to showcasing the remarkable skills and inspiring passion of Special Olympics athletes."

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