To

Mayor and Council

Subject

Collecting Donations for Special Olympics and Therapeutic programs

Initiator

Parks and Recreation Department

Recommendation

Authorize the Columbus Parks and Recreation to accept donations in the form of \n \n gift certificates, check, and cash from sponsors and individuals for the \n \n purpose of purchasing Therapeutic and Special Olympics event supplies, Special \n \n Olympics training equipment, and registration fees for area and state games. \n \n Also, to allow Columbus Parks and Recreation to accept cash and check donations \n \n before and during Special Events that occurs in city facilities. 100% of the \n \n money will spent on Special Olympics or Therapeutic programs that benefit \n \n individuals with disabilities.

Approval

Pending

Background

Each year the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department holds Community Events

for individuals with disabilities, Special Olympics training programs and

competitions, and sends athletes to area and State Special Olympic

competitions. Columbus Parks and Recreation hosts the Annual Therapeutics

Sweetheart Ball, Annual Sit Volleyball Tournament, Therapeutic Recreation

Resource Fair, Monthly Community Friday Night Dances, Special Needs Easter

Egg-Stravaganza, Therapeutics Summer Kick Off, Therapeutics Luau, Fall Festival

for Special Needs, Therapeutics Halloween Party, and Special Needs Holiday

Extravaganza. Columbus Parks and Recreation also provides support for

community events held by non-profit organizations such as the ?Buddy Walk for

Down syndrome? and ?Hope for Autism Walk?. These programs provide recreational

opportunities for individuals in the community regardless of their disability.

These events are annual and at least one is provided each month. The events

typically take place at Pop Austin Recreation Center, located at 1331 Alexander

Street, Columbus, GA 31904.

Analysis

Columbus Parks and Recreation provides a site, staff, and administration of

each programs. The donations of money and supplies are provided by sponsors and

individuals.

Financial Considerations

Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement

None is expected.

Legal Considerations

Approval of Council is required for these donations.

Recommendations/ Actions

Approve the resolution authorizing Columbus Parks and Recreation to collect

donations for Therapeutics and Special Olympics event supplies, Special

Olympics training equipment, and registration fees for area and state games.

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