By Chris MacDonald

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. -- Hundreds of athletes trained in Huntington Beach, preparing for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, July 25-Aug. 2 throughout the Los Angeles Region. The New Zealand Equestrian Olympians trained at the Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach in July. Three medal hopefuls visiting Surf City included, Chelsea Thorne, Nick Taris and Pratina Patel. The three in their 20s are from the Marlbough Riding for the Disabled facility in New Zealand. Two of the Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach's horses will be participating in the Special Olympics' competition, which will be held in the Los Angeles Equestrain Center at Griffith Park, according to Caroline Winnik, whose daughter is active at the HB riding center.

Meanwhile, the Australian Gymnastics Team was training at Ocean View High School prior to their World Games competition at UCLA. Natalie Upshall, their gymnastics head coach, was happy with the training facilities and performance of her athletes, Emma Zamprogno (ribbon, rope, overall and more), Cassy Geffke (vault, floor, bar, beam and overall) and Martin Smith (vault, floor, high bar, rings and more).

"I'm having the best time of my life," Smith said. "Getting to train in Huntington Beach is such a treat. The gyms are first class and the ocean is sensational!"

More than 76 Australian athletes will be competing in 12 different sports in the World Games.

"The Huntington Beach Pier is really incredible," said Coach Upshall. "It has nice businesses on it, like Surf City Store, and is so long and different compared to other piers I've seen. It's something we will always remember."

Dylan Wescott, Surf City Store employee, said, "I've never met nicer people than these Australian athletes. They're so polite, proud of their country and thrilled to be here. I hope they each win a Gold Medal!"