Mission Viejo continues to welcome world-class athletes as international teams train for global competition

Mission Viejo continues to strengthen its position as a premier destination for world-class athletic training, with international teams increasingly choosing the City's exceptional facilities to prepare for major competitions, thanks to the efforts of the City's Sports & Events Tourism Committee.

Over the past several weeks, teams from New Zealand, Japan, Argentina and the United States, along with the Australian Paralympic Team, have trained at the City's Marguerite Aquatics Complex - through the Mission Viejo Nadadores - ahead of the Pan Pacific Games. Dutch teams have trained at Saddleback College and Trabuco Hills High School, while the Poland Paralympic Weightlifting Team has used the Montanoso Recreation Center for conditioning.

These international training visits have provided a meaningful boost to the local economy. Many athletes and team members stayed at Mission Viejo hotels, dined at local restaurants and shopped at area businesses during their downtime. Beyond the direct economic impact, their presence has strengthened relationships with local businesses and created unique opportunities for Mission Viejo athletes, who have been able to observe and train alongside world-class competitors.

"We're proud to see the City of Mission Viejo take such a forward-thinking approach in bringing teams from around the world to train here ahead of Los Angeles 2028 and other major events," said The Shops at Mission Viejo General Manager Nate Weirback. "Their vision is creating real momentum for local businesses, including ours at The Shops at Mission Viejo. We're excited to welcome even more teams in the coming years and showcase the hospitality and spirit that make this community special."

The overwhelming consensus among athletes, coaches, and participating countries has been just how welcomed they have felt by this community - and these recent visits underscore the growing momentum behind Mission Viejo's Sports & Events Tourism Committee and its efforts to recruit major athletic events and international teams. By attracting elite athletes from around the world, the City is strengthening community engagement, supporting local businesses and showcasing its world-class facilities as it prepares for Los Angeles 2028 and beyond.

Stay up to date on upcoming training camps, major sporting events and international team visits at Mission Viejo Sports.