By providing funds and finding chaperones, clubs can bring a lot of smiles to children's faces. The Optimist Blind Youth Association has funds, albeit limited, to assist athletes who want to compete but who can't provide their own transportation to Los Angeles. To accommodate the largest number of athletes, we pay for a maximum of one chaperone for each two athletes under 18. Athletes and chaperones become guests in individual Optimist's homes with a maximum of three per home. Their visit culminates in a trip to Magic Mountain provided their return schedule is accommodating.
Athletes get a free breakfast and lunch.
The top three athletes in each event get gold, silver or bronze medals. Free housing at Optimists' homes is available Friday and Saturday night. The Optimist hosts will provide dinner Friday and Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning. We have had requests for special diets, and although the Optimist hosts will try to make their guests as comfortable as possible, I'm sure you realize that they're limited to the food they normally provide their own families. This can be done by contacting schools for the blind, special departments within your public schools and Youth centers.