Four athletes, including a gold medalist sprinter from Tonga, will participate in this year’s Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, from July 25 to August 2.

Over 7,000 Special Olympics athletes, with intellectual disabilities from 177 nations, will compete in 25 Olympic type sports.

The Tongan athletes include star sprinter Tomasi Ma'asi, with Fane Helu, Tevita Tilini and Tutaleva Fehoko, who will compete in the 100m and 200m run, shot put and javelin.

Ma’asi has won three gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 400m at the 2013 Special Olympics, Asia Pacific Games in Australia

Vanessa Heleta the Director of Tonga’s Special Olympic Association said this is the first time Tonga will be participating in the World Games.

She said starting this month they will hold fundraising activities to pay for their airfares and uniforms while other expenses including their stay, meal and transportation in the United States will be provided for by the Games.

"To have this opportunity to take our athletes to the World Games is very exciting," Vanessa said.

The team who have started training are expected to depart Tonga on July 21.

The US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are Honorary Chairs of the Games.