City Honors Says “Thank You” to Resident Volunteers Who Helped Stage Special Olympics World Games

After the “enriching experience” of hosting Namibia, Tanzania and Singapore before the 2015 Special Olympics World Games held in Los Angeles, Mayor Terry Tornek recognized the Pasadena Host Town volunteers who worked to create a memorable week of events.

The City recognized the volunteers, including the coordinator Kathleen Turknette and the family of baseball legend Jackie Robison, Kathy Robinson and Brittney Hamilton, with a special plaque at the August 31 City Council meeting.

“They worked tirelessly and successfully and really did us proud,” Tornek said.

The Pasadena Host Town brought local school athletes, dance teams, cheerleaders, jazz bands, drum corps, and ROTC to welcome the athletes as the Pasadena Police Department ran the Final Leg of the Torch through the City.

The event honored the courage, determination, and joy of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games athletes.

“We collectively created synergy for inclusiveness,” Kathleen Turknette said.

Showcasing Pasadena, Turknette introduced the athletes to the best of Pasadena including the Huntington Library, Kidspace, the Rose Bowl, Cal Tech, and more. Several schools hosted rallies for the athletes while they were in Pasadena the three days before the Games.

See Pasadena Now’s Coverage of the athletes:

City Offers Vibrant Welcome for 85 Special Olympics World Athletes

Getting to Know Two Special Olympics Athletes Up Close