Calabasas Rolls out the Red Carpet for 2015 Special Olympics World Games Athletes

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Contributed by City of Calabasas:

A campfire under the stars, an old-fashioned hoedown, and the chance for inspiring athletes to get to know the community and residents of Calabasas—these are just a few of the events that the City of Calabasas offered the delegation from Great Britain in the City’s role as a Special Olympics World Games “Host Town.”

The fun began on Thursday July 16 when children came to the Calabasas Library to create crafts to welcome the British delegation of athletes and coaches and celebrate the World Games coming to Los Angeles.

The excitement kicked into high gear on Friday July 17 when the Flame of Hope, the official torch for the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015, was carried through Calabasas on the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg to the delight of cheering spectators. A ceremony welcoming the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg took place in front of the Calabasas Civic Center with Calabasas Mayor Lucy Martin, State Senator Fran Pavley, Lost Hills/Malibu Sheriff’s Station Captain Pat Davoren, and others greeting the Torch runners.

On Wednesday July 22, the athletes enjoyed breakfast donated by Lovi’s Deli and Blu Jam Cafe at their lodgings at King Gillette Ranch before touring Calabasas City Hall and enjoying lunch provided by Corner Bakery and Toscanova, after which they visited the Calabasas Commons for music and entertainment and a chance to personally enjoy Calabasas residents and businesses. In the afternoon they toured the historic Leonis Adobe before heading to dinner at the Sagebrush Café, followed by a fun campfire at King Gillette Ranch under a beautiful night sky.

On Thursday July 23, after another delicious breakfast provided by Brent’s Deli, Calabasas’ British guests trained at Calabasas High before returning home to

Their quarters at King Gillette Ranch, where they enjoyed an old-fashioned hoe-down with community volunteers and other special guests with food provided by Rib Ranch, Porky Products, and the Cheesecake Factory. Friday morning’s farewell breakfast was provided by Marmalade Café.

“It was an enormous pleasure to get to know these inspiring athletes,” said Calabasas Mayor Lucy Martin. “I’m so proud of our amazing residents who worked so hard to make them feel at home and am grateful to our local businesses who helped make their visit so special.”

The Special Olympics World Games will begin on July 25, 2015 at locations throughout Southern California, featuring more than 7,000 athletes from 177 countries.