More than 300 Arcadia volunteers, organizations, business members of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, the City of Arcadia and Arcadia Unified School District are coming together this week to ensure a memorable first impression of the U.S., California, and Arcadia for 87 Special Olympics World Games athletes, coaches and mentors from the Caribbean dual-island country of Trinidad and Tobago as well as the Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan). Arcadians are pulling together to help them acclimate by providing all hotels, meals, transportation and training facilities from July 21-24 at no charge under the Host Town Arcadia program.
Outings have also been arranged to the Los Angeles County Arboretum, Westfield Santa Anita mall, the Arcadia Police station, and an outdoor concert and dinner on the lawn of City Hall featuring Caribbean music, among other activities.
Thursday, July 23
- 9:30 a.m.:AHA field for warm-ups and workouts.
- 11 a.m.: Lunch donated by In ‘N Outfood truck.
- 1 p.m.: Westfield Santa Anita mall greeting by General Manager Ramon Oseguera and message by Bob Harbicht. Gift bags, commemorative pin, shopping.
- 3 p.m.:A. County Arboretum visit and tour.
- 6 p.m.: “Concert in the Park”and special buffet dinner served in police station provided by Arcadia Chinese Association on City Hall lawn with support of Arcadia Woman’s Club, Girl Scouts. Greetings by Mayor Gary Kovacic, comments by Bob Harbicht.
Friday, July 24
- 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.:Breakfast, then departure.