Photo Credit: Freddie B. Photography™
The Special Olympic World Games LA 2015 depend so much on the volunteers who take on dozens of jobs and responsibilities to help make it a success. This week, I was honored to interview Mayor Lucy Martin of Calabasas.
The city of Calabasas has taken on the great responsibility of being a Host Town for the Great Britain team. They expect 115 athletes plus 55 people from the Great Britain Special Olympics Delegation. The Calabasas Chamber of Commerce is actively partnering with Calabasas, working with the city to engage volunteers in this worthy effort. They have been so welcoming that I’m sure the British athletes will not want to leave the kind folks of Calabasas.
Mayor Lucy told us there are many “Real Heroes” volunteering in Calabasas. Dan Hunke is coaching swim and tennis for Special Needs athletes who will be participating in these and future Special Olympics Games. John Bingham, Senior Management Analyst, has gone above and beyond the call of duty. His daughter, Megan Bingham, has participated and won several medals in the California Special Olympics in Long Beach.
Mayor Lucy shared with SpecialNeeds.com some of the great events set up to welcome these great athletes.
On Thursday July 16th, children from kindergarten to 5th grade are invited to drop by the Calabasas Library from 4:00-4:30 p.m. to create a craft to welcome the Great Britain Special Olympics Delegation. This is a fun and creative way to celebrate the coming of the World Games to Los Angeles. No sign-up is necessary to participate at the library event, so feel free to invite the whole family to support this momentous occasion.
On Friday July 17th, the Flame of Hope, the official torch for the Special Olympics World Games LA2015, will be carried through Calabasas for the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. A ceremony welcoming the participating law enforcement personnel will take place in the Calabasas Civic Center at 11 a.m. Calabasas Mayor Lucy Marin and Captain Pat Davoren of the Lost Hills Sheriff Station will greet Torch runners Stefano Lucarelli and Joshua Norris.
On Wednesday July 22, the Great Britain Special Olympics Delegation of athletes and coaches will have lunch in Founders Hall at the Calabasas Library from noon to 1:00 p.m. Following the luncheon, the British Delegation will visit the Calabasas Commons for music and entertainment. This is an excellent time to come meet and interact with these remarkable and inspiring individuals.
For more information and exciting ways to be involved with this years event please visit, www.signupgenius.com
