E! News host Maria Menounos has been announced as Special Olympics's latest global ambassador, and is to lead a celebrity engagement campaign for the upcoming Special Olympics World Games, which kick off July 25 in Los Angeles.

Menounos commented 'I am honoured and proud to raise awareness for Special Olympics as a global ambassador and I am thrilled to join the movement at such an exciting time. Fitness and sports are a vital part of my life and I find inspiration in the determination and spirit of the athletes of Special Olympics, and I want the world to know that people with intellectual disabilities need to be included and respected in our society'.