He has worked with world leaders including Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton and George W Bush to help raise the profile of the Special Olympics.

Now, international chairman and chief executive Timothy Shriver is encouraging the people of Leicester to get behind this year's event.

The games were founded in America in the 60s by his mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and he has worked at the helm of the event for 14 years.

More than three million athletes and their families in around 180 countries are now involved in the charity – and the British national event is coming to Leicester in just 15 days.

Mr Shriver, who is also the nephew of late President John F Kennedy and brother-in-law of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, will attend the opening ceremony at the Walkers Stadium on July 25.

This week, he visited London to promote the games and the Special Olympics Flame of Hope torch run, which starts on Sunday.

He said: "I haven't been to Leicester before but I hear wonderful things about the city.

"The people in Leicester have been wonderfully responsive and welcoming.

"The Special Olympics is more well known in America than it is in the UK, but hopefully Leicester can help us change that."

In the US, the Special Olympics is a huge charity, backed by stars such as Bruce Willis, David Beckham, Eva Mendes and Colin Farrell.

Mr Shriver is constantly campaigning to make people more aware about learning disabilities.

In March, President Barack Obama called him to apologise after making a joke about the Games during The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

"He had a poor choice of words. I don't think there was any intent, but it's a reminder that we've got a long way to go to make sure everyone understands that this is a population that deserves respect.

"Hopefully Leicester can help make people realise that it's not just about having the games every two or four years, but it's about understanding every day."

Games officials in the UK say this year's national event – the biggest to date, with more than 2,700 athletes, 1,200 coaches, 1,500 volunteers and 6,000 families – will help bring the UK up to speed with America.

National chairman Ted Cassidy said: "The Kennedy family have made the Special Olympics in America as high profile as any other sporting event.

"It's fantastic that Timothy Shriver is coming over to the event here in Leicester. Hopefully his support will help us raise the profile of the Special Olympics in this country.

"The Leicester games are already proving that there is an interest in sport for disabled people."