The 2015 Special Olympic World Games is less than 100 days away and when they kick off, a local team will be there representing Team USA.

Twelve athletes from Land O' Lakes will be joining teams from 177 countries in July in Los Angeles to compete in the games. Right now, though, everyone's focus is on practicing.

“You have to run a lot and think a lot,” athlete Hassan Sheheb.

“I was kind of a bit nervous every time the ball kept coming closer to the goal, I was like, 'Oh my God, oh my God,' ” athlete Ordray Smith said.

Those jitters are wearing off and working together has been the goal.

Seven of the players are athletes and five are their partners who help them every step of the way.

“We’ve become a really big family and it just means a lot to be with them and always practicing with them and playing with them,” said Haley Eckel, a partner on the team. “It’s basically one big family.”

The family will likely only grow larger when the players meet the other 7,000 contenders.

“At the Summer Games last year I made quite a few friends at Indianapolis, I made a lot of few friends in Illinois,” said Smith.

It’s an experience these players say will be like no other.

“It’s going to be the best experience of my life,” said Sheheb.

So what does it take to be part of Team USA?

“Keep playing hard on the field and support my friends every time they fall down,” said Smith.

The team flies out July 20 to the host city, where they will practice for a few days while getting in some sight-seeing. Opening day is July 25 in Los Angeles.

The team has raised close to $40,000 for travel expenses. They hope to raise even more in the next couple of months.