“We had so many volunteers,” Chase said.
“We are overwhelmed by the community response,” added Mike Padula, CV CAN president.
There was such a large response to the call for support that they had more than two people per athlete.
Many of the volunteers came from high schools like St. Francis; they assisted the athletes and their families, served lunch and cleaned the track and field when the event was completed.
“It says a lot about our community,” Chase said.
The athletes came from the Tri-Valley Region of the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Burbank and Glendale. CV CAN was established six years ago by a group of parents and community members with a goal of providing support to local athletes and athletic programs. Their first task was to raise over $1 million for a new track and field at CVHS. They did this with strong support from the community and a generous gift from Glendale resident Susan Osborn. The establishment of a Special Olympic event continues the organizations support for all athletes.
“Our goal is to establish a chapter of Special Olympics in the foothills,” Chase said.
With the success and support of this first event, Chase and Padula said they would be looking forward to next year’s competition.
“We are thrilled by the spirit of the athletes and blown away by the community’s involvement,” Padula said.
