California's NFL teams join forces for Special Olympics World Games

The San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers are both sponsoring delegations at the Special Olympics World Games, while the Oakland Raiders are hosting an interactive fan zone and putting on a football clinic as part of the event.

It's part of a number of football-related events, including an NFL-hosted Football Fan Fest for athletes and attendees on July 28-29 at UCLA's Wilson Plaza.

"We look forward to celebrating these inspirational athletes from around the world and enhancing their experience in Los Angeles," said Anna Isaacson, the NFL senior vice president of social responsibility.

The Football Fan Fest, complete with an obstacle course and NFL Flag clinics, will be one of several football-related events happening at UCLA. A Unified Football game will take place July 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. PT on UCLA's Intramural Field, with Special Olympics athletes alongside guests and former NFL players.

Special Olympics California will join with UCLA students for a flag football showcase game on July 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. PT on UCLA's North Athletic Field, while the Gilbert Roadrunners from Arizona will play in a Special Olympics Unified Sports flag football scrimmage on UCLA's North Athletic Field on July 29 from 5 to 6 p.m. PT.

The 49ers are supporting athletes from Nepal, while the Chargers are involved with the delegation from Greece, helping pay for housing, food and transportation for the athletes during their time in the Los Angeles area. The Special Olympics start Saturday with the opening ceremonies at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

The Raider Nation on Location interactive fan zone will be at UCLA's Wilson Plaza on July 26, with a Raiders-hosted football clinic set for July 27. Both events run from 1 to 9 p.m. PT. Former Raiders greats Mike Haynes and James Lofton will be presenting medals to Special Olympics athletes in bocce and bowling on July 27.

A number of current and former NFL players are involved with the Special Olympics World Games, including Joe Haden, who was named a Special Olympics Global Ambassador in January. Others include Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs, Keith Rivers of the Dallas Cowboys, and former Pro Bowler Terrell Owens.