The Obamas will celebrate the work of Special Olympics during a dinner Thursday at the White House. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)

The president and first lady will welcome a group of people with disabilities to the White House this week for a special dinner focusing on efforts to promote acceptance.

The event Thursday evening will honor Special Olympics and its work toward creating a “unified generation,” the White House said.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will host Special Olympics’ volunteers, supporters and athletes with intellectual disabilities from across the United States and as far away as the Philippines, Namibia and India. The group’s CEO Janet Froetscher and Chairman Tim Shriver are also expected to attend.

The dinner is part of a series of activities leading up to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles where the Obamas will serve as honorary chairs.

Ahead of the international games, the organization is working to break down barriers for people with intellectual disabilities by promoting inclusion, unity and respect, Special Olympics officials indicated.

“We are kicking off our call to action, urging youth everywhere to get active with someone who is different,” Froetscher said.

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