As the Special Olympics World Games took over Los Angeles, the Trojans wanted to find a unique way to participate in the cause. Armed with cardinal T-shirts, gold medals and big smiles, more than 50 USC athletes welcomed 100 local children to the first-ever Trojan Games.

The day, designed to inspire a new generation of special athletes, kicked off at Howard Jones field on campus where each athlete selected a young teammate. The kids and their buddies then rotated to various activity stations, including stops to learn about football, soccer, stretching and nutrition.

After a healthy meal donated by Waba Grill, attendees stopped by USC’s Loker Stadium to catch an afternoon of track and field events at the World Games.

Participants included children and chaperones from the Los Angeles Special Needs Network, and athletes from the Trojan football, soccer, basketball and volleyball teams.

For pictures of the day, check out photographer John McGillen’s gallery.

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