LOS ANGELES, USA — In a different state several hundred miles away, a group of Jamaican sportsmen and women relished the occasion as the Reggae Boyz pulled out a historic 2-1 victory over United States in the Gold Cup semi-final game in Atlanta, Georgia.

Members of Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) — here in Los Angeles for the World Summer Games — were privy to view the game from City Hall.

They applauded each Jamaica goal and cheered every time their compatriots stoutly withstood an American onslaught.

“You know I predicted this!” exclaimed Lorna Bell, the executive director of Special Olympics Jamaica.

“It was amazing we were able to watch the game like that. It was sheer pandemonium. We were all into the game and urging our Reggae Boyz to victory against the United States and we did it. And the first time into the Gold Cup final,” she added.

Jamaica’s footballers, who were also beating the Americans for the first time on US soil, are through to Sunday’s final where they will challenge regional giants and six-time champions Mexico.

At the 2015 Special Olympics, which gets underway with the opening ceremony tomorrow, Jamaica are set to compete in football, basketball, athletics, aquatics, badminton, volleyball, female futsal and bocce.

About 7,000 athletes from approximately 170 countries are expected to participate in 25 sports at the Games.

The opening ceremony is set for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which hosted the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games.

A number of notable figures are expected to be on hand, including First Lady Michelle Obama.

United States President Barack Obama and his wife are honorary co-chairs for the 2015 Summer Games.

Closing ceremony for the Los Angeles Games is scheduled for August 2.

— Sanjay Myers