Poway sends Special Olympians back to Los Angeles games

Music, dancing and an all-American pancake breakfast on Friday morning helped send an Ecuadorian team of Special Olympics athletes back to Los Angeles, where they will participate in the World Games.

Sixty-one athletes, coaches and chaperones boarded two chartered buses following three full days of events organized by the Host Town Poway committee and the city’s community services department.

Thursday evening the team joined other Special Olympians staying throughout San Diego County for a Padres baseball game in Petco Park. Tickets were donated by National University. Earlier in the day the team enjoyed a late morning and early afternoon in Community Park, where volunteer groups had set up carnival-themed games and a very popular photo booth.

The athletes were treated to breakfast on Wednesday, followed by yoga and sports practice at Community Park. They then got to bowl at the Poway Fun Bowl, before ending the evening with a free, open-to-the-public concert at Lake Poway, featuring The Mightly Untouchables.

Between scheduled events, many of the team members spent time shopping at Costco and the Sports Authority.

The Friday morning send-off breakfast was prepared in the City Hall plaza area by the Poway Kiwanis Club. Entertainment was provided by a dance company composed of special needs adults.