Optimists Club Hosts 40th Sports Fiesta

If the beginning of July means Independence Day, for the , the end of the month means it's Sports Fiesta time.

The club is in the midst of hosting its 40th annual fiesta to raise money for youth activities.

The event started July 23 at the , with a “tee-shot accuracy” competition, which concludes Wednesday. Most of the events, including running, swimming and diving, kickoff Saturday and Sunday.

 will be the starting point for most of the weekend events. Parts of the competitions will take place at Naval Air Station North Island, including the 10K run and the biking portion of the triathlon.

Sign-ups are still open. Most events cost $25 if paid by Friday, or $30 if paid at check-in. Sunday's diving event, at the Coronado Community Center pool, costs $10.

Entry forms for each event are online or at local fitness centers; about 300 people are expected to participate, according to Optimist Club President Irish Flynn. All ages are welcomed: for instance, the triathlon will host those from 12 to 70-plus.

In the past, the club has raised about $30,000 from the fiesta, which includes donations and entry fees. This year, the organization is hoping to bring in $10,000 more, Flynn said.

Fiesta proceeds support youth activities, including Boy Scouts, school sports and academics.

“It’s to raise funds,” Flynn said. “In addition to that, we Optimists donate our time.”

Saturday’s events include:

• 10-K run at 7 a.m., check-in at 6 a.m.
• One-mile ocean swim at 11 a.m., check-in at 10 a.m.

Sunday’s events include:

• Triathlon at 7:30 a.m., check-in at 6:30 a.m.
• Diving event 9 a.m., warm-up at 8 a.m.