Two men stood choking back tears as they struggled to find the right words to describe a long-awaited victory on Tuesday afternoon. Filled with joy from the event that had just transpired, embracing, they were unable to hold their composure much longer.

Athletes from different countries joined together to run the Special Olympics torch toward a crowd of 100 spectators, UCLA marching band members and Spirit Squad members who welcomed the group with a rendition of UCLA’s fight song.

When the 165 delegations of athletes walked into the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Saturday night they weren’t holding their nations’ flags. Instead, they were holding each other, walking hand in hand, raising their arms, reaching up.

For the first time since 1999, the Special Olympics is bringing back its flagship event, the World Summer Games, to the United States. The event will take place in Los Angeles, with several events to be held at the UCLA campus.