I would like to thank each one of you who served at Saturday's Special Olympics and share this letter we received from Grace Chase, Vice President CV CAN, Special Olympics Chairman: 

On Saturday, April 21st something very special happened in the Crescenta Valley. There was a gathering of over 800 people…students, community leaders and neighbors who came together for a Special Olympics Track and Field Meet at Crescenta Valley High School. It was a beautiful day, not because the sun was shining and the sky was blue…it was beautiful to witness the celebration of peaceful competition, goodwill and the triumph of the human spirit.

CV CAN (Crescenta Valley Committed to Athletic Needs) decided as a group, that hosting this year's event was exactly what was needed in our community. Our friends at Montrose Church partnered with us and their efforts and dedication helped to make the day as special as it was. This dedicated group of people from CV CAN and Montrose Church chaired the various portions of the event to make it happen…but the most important part of that day’s success was the volunteers. The hope of our committee was to enlist 300 volunteers to help provide a good event for the 300+ athletes who were scheduled to attend. What a surprise to us when on the day before the event we had 400 people already pre-registered to help us out. And on the morning of the Track Meet more showed up to lend their support. Local individuals, business people, students and law enforcement helped to feed all the volunteers and coaches, cheered on the athletes and placed the medals around their necks. That day the community of Crescenta Valley learned a great lesson from each other...every person counts, and every person can do something very, very important and good.

We thank all of you who made a difference that day. The businesses and individuals who discounted or donated items, the volunteers who came out in masses, the law enforcement groups who brought a smile to an athlete’s face, the Glendale Unified School District for their support of the facility. But the most important group to thank…is the athletes themselves. They are the living symbol that we can reach across human differences and disabilities to unleash the God-given potential that lies within each individual. These athletes showed the 800+ people at CVHS on Saturday that when given the chance they can do extraordinary things. We thank them for that gift they gave us.

Yes, on Saturday, April 21st something very special happened in the Crescenta Valley. Eight hundred people shared the spirit of giving and teamwork and made our community a more welcoming and accepting place. Thank you for making a difference.

Sincerely,

Grace Chase
Vice President CV CAN
Special Olympics Chairman