Item 4.3 - The 2015 Special Olympics World Games Host Town UpdateGti�Y OF P0 lyi9Y
City of Poway
T�F
CS !N THE COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
T}' COUNCIL
a
APPROVED AS AMENDED O
(SEE MINUTES)
DENIED O
REMOVED O
CONTINUED
RESOLUTION NO.
DATE: September 16, 2014
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Singer, City Manager
INITIATED BY: Robin Bettin, Director of Community Services
SUBJECT: The 2015 Special Olympics World Games Host Town
Update
Summary:
At the September 2, 2014, City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to gauge the
level of both financial and volunteer support for the City of Poway serving as a Host
Town for the 2015 Special Olympics. Since that meeting, staff has met with several
community leaders and special needs groups. Staff has also contacted area
businesses to determine the level of financial support from the corporate community.
This report is a brief summary of the response thus far.
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:
At the September 2, 2014, City Council meeting (Agenda Report Attachment A) , the
Council directed staff to gauge the level of both financial and volunteer support for the
City of Poway serving as a Host Town for the 2015 Special Olympics Games. Since
that meeting, staff has met with several community leaders and special needs groups.
Staff has also contacted area businesses to determine the level of financial support
from the corporate community. This report is a brief summary of the response thus far.
The following citizens have stepped forward to participate in the Local Organizing
Committee for the project:
Honorary Chairperson — Sharon Cafagna
Chairperson — Sue Herndon
Fundraising Chair — Kevin McNamara
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2015 Special Olympics World Games Host Town Update
September 16, 2014
Page 2
Kevin McNamara, the fundraising chair, has spoken to several local businesses. He
currently has verbal interest from Walmart, Toyota, Delkin Devices, and EDCO in the
donation range of $10,000 to $12,000. Staff is also in the process of contacting the
following businesses to gauge potential interest: General Atomics, AT &T, Cox
Communications, San Diego Padres, Chef Works, and Suncraft Solar.
Additionally, staff is developing a Torch Run concept brought forward by
Councilmember Cunningham to raise funds. Thus far, 30 of the 100 pledges have been
committed for an approximate $7,500 in support. Councilmember Cunningham is- also
working with MTS to donate transportation or provide it at a nominal fee.
Fiscal Impact:
The estimated cost of the athletes' transportation, lodging, meals, and activities is
$50,000. If this action is approved, staff will likely request some appropriation in a
future budget update for FY 2014 -15 based on fundraising efforts. Staff will work with
the Local Organizing Committee to coordinate a community -wide collaboration to raise
funds through donations and sponsorships.
Environmental Review:
This action is not subject to CEQA review.
Public Notification:
None.
Attachment:
A. 2015 Special Olympics World Games Host Town September 2, 2014, Agenda
Report
2 of 5 September 16, 2014 Item #—t-1
G`r( OF POW9J
City of Poway
i
"� COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
rHE C o��
APPROVED O
APPROVED AS AMENDED O
(SEE MINUTES)
DENIED O
REMOVED O
CONTINUED
RESOLUTION NO.
DATE: September 2, 2014
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Singer, City Manager
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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2015 Special Olympics World Games Host Town
September 2, 2014
Page 2
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
September 2, 2014
Page 3
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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