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Poway Host Town organizers seek donations

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Organizers of a four-day event in July where Poway will host two teams of Special Olympics athletes say they are well on their way toward meeting their $50,000 fundraising goal and that there’s still time to help.

Just under 100 adult athletes and coaches from the countries of Ecuador and Togo will spend July 21-24 in and around Poway on their way to the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. The international competition will be held July 25 to Aug. 2.

Councilman Jim Cunningham and local businessman Kevin McNamara are heading up efforts to raise the money so that city funds will not be needed. Each has committed to raising $25,000.

McNamara, in charge of corporate and business contributions, is almost there, having collected $21,000 to date. Among businesses and organizations signing up are Toyota of Poway, Cox Communications, EDCO, San Diego Gas & Electric, Walmart, the Countryside Barn and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of San Diego County. Interested businesses can contact McNamara at mcnamarainvestments@gmail.com.

Cunningham is raising his share through a campaign where those giving $250 will be “honorary host committee members.” Each will receive a torch trophy and an invitation to attend several events during the visitation week. Cunningham said Monday he has sold 50 of the 100 torch awards. Those interested in contributing should make tax-deductable checks out to “LA 2015” and mail them to Host Town Poway, Poway Community Services Dept., 13325 Civic Center Drive, Poway CA 92064.

Credit card contributions to Host Town Poway may also be made online. Visit www.poway.org for more information.

Meanwhile, Community Services Director Robin Bettin and her staff are finalizing details on events to be held during the visit by the athletes and support staff.

The teams will arrive by bus on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 21 and will stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in the Poway Business Park. The hotel is subsidizing the room rate, Bettin said.

The July 22 schedule includes training time at Community Park, bowling and related fun activities at the Poway Fun Bowl. That evening there will be a torch ceremony, barbecue and evening summer concert at Lake Poway.

The morning of July 23 will feature a Zumba dance session at Aubrey Park and a carnival with related therapeutic activities in Old Poway Park. The two teams will then be bused to an evening Padres baseball game at Petco Park where they will join other Special Olympics teams staying in San Diego County. National University is donating 1,000 tickets to the event.

A breakfast served by the Poway Kiwanis Club, along with a dance performance and farewell ceremony, will be held on the City Hall property on the morning of Friday, July 24.

Poway is one of about 100 Host Towns in Southern California. In San Diego County there are hosting committees in East County, downtown San Diego and the north coastal region.

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