Caelyn Griffith, 20, from Culver City, will compete at the Special Olympics World Games on July 25 to August 2 in Los Angeles as the sole Westside representative in the Artistic Gymnastics category.

This event draws 7,000 athletes from more than 177 countries, and Griffith is one of 37 California athletes who will compete in the World Games.

"I'm excited to participate in the World Games because it's a challenge to compete and the opportunity of a lifetime," says Griffith, who started in gymnastics more than 10 years ago as a way to improve her balance. Over the years, her balance has improved along with her self-esteem.

While floor routine is her favorite event, Griffith will be participating in the full gymnastics event rotation at the John Wooden Center at UCLA on July 30th and 31st.

When Griffith is not at the gym, she loves to dance, play basketball, and watch football on TV.

Griffith is working toward living independently. After the World Games she hopes to attend Taft College in Bakersfield, California.

Griffith is a member of Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles, which is one of the local Kaiser Permanente facilities that will provide medical support and care to the athletes. Kaiser Permanente is the founding champion and official health partner of the Special Olympics World Games.