Item 4.1 - Request to be a Host Town for the 2015 Special Olympics World GamesG`t.{ OF POIYig3
City of Poway
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
APPROVED O
APPROVED AS AMENDED O
(SEE MINUTES)
DENIED O
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CONTINUED uriCer f-oon
RESOLUTION NO.
DATE: September 2, 2014
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Singer, City Managerl; ,
INITIATED BY: Robin Bettin, Director of Community Services �.
SUBJECT: The 2015 Special Olympics World Games Host Town
Summary:
The Special Olympics World Games will be held in Los Angeles from July 25 through
August 2, 2015. Organizers are actively recruiting 100 "Host Town" communities to
welcome the athletes to Southern California with cultural events, sports training, and
relaxation for the three days prior to the opening ceremony: July 21 to July 24, 2015.
Poway has been identified as a desirable Host Town community, and has been asked
to participate. As a Host Town, the City will cultivate partnerships with all segments of
the community to collectively plan a "Poway Welcome" for the athletes that will include
lodging, meals, and organized activities: On August 13, 2014, staff met with
representatives of the special needs organizations in Poway to present the proposal
and elicit feedback. The response was favorable and enthusiastic. The estimated cost
of hosting a delegation of 75 -100 athletes is $50,000. If this request is approved, staff
will request an appropriation of $25,000 in the next Quarterly Budget Update for
FY 2014 -15, and coordinate a community -wide collaboration to raise $25,000 or more
through donations, sponsorships, and fundraisers by groups, businesses, and
individuals.
Recommended Action:
It is recommended that the City Council approve the request to be a Host Town for the
2015 Special Olympics World Games.
Background:
Founded in 1968, the Special Olympics movement has. grown to more than 4.4 million
athletes in 170 countries. With the support of more than 1.3 million coaches and
volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32 Olympic -type' sports, and more than 81,000
games and competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is supported by
individuals, foundations, and partners.
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The Special Olympics World Games will be held in Los Angeles from July 25 through
August 2, 2015. It will be the largest humanitarian and athletic event in Los Angeles
since the 1984 Olympics. With 7,000 athletes, 30,000 coaches, and an estimated
500,000 spectators, this monumental event will showcase athletic ability and
determination, as well as acceptance and inclusion.
Organizers are actively recruiting potential Host Town communities to welcome the
athletes to Southern California with three days of cultural events, sports training, and
relaxation. One hundred communities from San Luis Obispo to San Diego will have the
honor of becoming official Host Towns for the pre -games celebration from July 21 to
July 24, 2015. Locations are evaluated on the availability of lodging accommodations,
sports practice facilities, and recreation /entertainment offerings for the athletes, among
other criteria. Poway has been identified as a desirable Host Town, and has been
asked to participate for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.
Findings:
Host Towns play a vital part in welcoming delegations from 177 participating countries
to Southern California. Host Towns are also responsible for planning activities for the
athletes to introduce them to the community and help raise awareness about the
games.
Poway has been sought out to be a Host Town because it has active and involved
community and business groups; outstanding recreational facilities and amenities; and a
unique community charm. Accepting the invitation to be a Host Town is an opportunity
to create a rewarding and collective community experience, and a meaningful way for
the community to be a part of the Special Olympics World Games.
As a Host Town, Poway will provide accommodations for about 100 athletes (typically
one or two delegations) to practice and rest before the commencement of the World
Games. This includes practice sites, lodging, and meals. The City will also provide
athletes an opportunity to participate in social and cultural activities that are unique to
Poway.
By participating as a Host Town, Poway will be listed on the Special Olympics website,
which will connect people from around the world to Poway's unique attributes.
Special Olympics organizers estimate the cost for the athletes' transportation, housing,
meals, and activities to be $50,000. Based on previous experience, the organizers
have seen how Host Towns have successfully garnered the support of community
organizations, service clubs, businesses and individuals to provide monetary and in-
kind donations to help offset the cost of hosting the three -day stay. If the City Council
approves the request to be a Host Town, staff will request an appropriation of $25,000
in the next Quarterly Budget Update for FY 2014 -15, and coordinate a community -wide
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2015 Special Olympics World Games Host Town
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collaboration to raise $25,000 or more through donations, sponsorships, and
fundraisers by groups, businesses, and individuals.
On August 14, 2014, Community Services staff met with representatives of the local
special needs organizations to present the proposal and elicit feedback. Their initial
response was favorable. They are very excited about the possibility of Poway being
selected as a Host Town for the Special Olympics World Games, and are willing to work
with the City on this project. They were also elated at the opportunity for the Poway
special needs community to interact and engage with athletes from around the world.
Fiscal Impact:
The estimated cost of the athletes' transportation, lodging, meals, and activities is
$50,000. If this action is approved, staff will request an appropriation of $25,000 in the
next Quarterly Budget Update for FY 2014 -15, and coordinate a community -wide
collaboration to raise $25,000 or more through donations, sponsorships, and
fundraisers by groups, businesses, and individuals.
Environmental Review:
This action is not subject to CEQA review.
Public Notification:
None.
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