Nearly 300 mentally and physically disabled athletes...

Nearly 300 mentally and physically disabled athletes are scheduled to gather Saturday at Loyola Marymount University to compete in basketball, golf, obstacle course races and more.

The university’s 16th annual Special Games are free and open to the public. Carrying the

theme “Making This World a Little Better,” the games are being coordinated by a committee of Loyola Marymount students and involve nearly 600 local volunteers, some of whom will serve as coaches for the athletes.

A 9 a.m. torch relay and parade will kick off the day’s events. The athletic contests are scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entertainment, to be provided throughout the day, will feature clowns, life-size Disney characters and live music.

The games will end in a 2:15 p.m. awards ceremony in which each athlete will receive a medal. The athletes are affiliated with organizations including Foundation for the Junior Blind, Therapeutic Living Center, Independent Options, Lawndale Special People, United Cerebral Palsy/Spastic Children’s Foundation and Harbor View House.

What: Loyola Marymount University’s 16th annual Special Games.

When: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Loyola Marymount University.