Woman's dream comes true with Children's Mini Olympics

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Thanks to a Menifee resident, area children competed in a fun and energetic Children’s Mini Olympics May 6.

The event was supported by members of the Calvary Chapel El Alfarero church in Menifee, led by pastor Moises Ledezma and his wife Yesenia. The coordinator of the event was Nancy Pavia, who has a daughter with Down Syndrome who competed in Menifee District’s Special Needs Field Day last year.

“My family and I have been residents for over 20 years in the city of Menifee,” Pavia said. “My story goes back to when I was in the fourth and fifth grade. I participated for two years in the Girl Scout Olympics in Orange County. I won a fourth-place trophy the second time I competed. It was one of the most exciting times in my life as a young girl. My dream was to one day host an Olympics so that children would experience what I had.”

Pavia organized the first Children’s Mini Olympics in E.L. Pete Peterson Park last year. This year’s event was even bigger, with children competing in a variety of events, enjoying a great meal with family, and being entertained by “Magic Brad”.

“This year our daughter competed in Field Day again,” Pavia said. “My heart was deeply touched when I heard Dr. Julie Hong, the president of SPED, say that a parent had a dream to organize a Field Day for special needs in the Menifee school district. I had to personally thank her for what she and board members are doing for our children. I explained how they were such a great impact so I could finally host Children’s Mini Olympics.”

“I just want our community to know that our church, Calvary Chapel El Alfarero, is blessed to be able to give our community families a day where their children can participate in a safe, family oriented event for their children.”

The Children’s Mini Olympics is made possible through sales, church member donations, and Menifee local businesses. The biggest sponsor was Braces by Garcia of Menifee, which offered free braces for one child through a raffle.

During the opening ceremony, two children participated. One child, Oliver, said the Pledge of Allegiance. The second child, Caleb Cristobal, said the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish.

Other sponsors included Starbucks, Pan Bimbo USA , Primo Mexican Restaurant, Submarina, Pizza Hut Menifee, Menifee Bicycles, Del Taco, Casatiendas Mexican Restaurant, Buffalo Wild Wings, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Creamistry, Venus Burgers, Nikki Nails, Esta Nail Salon, Lake Nails, Happy Nails, Stater Bros., CC fun Rentals Hemet, Lil Decor Perris and Regency 10 Movie Theater Perris, Six Star Framing, Menifee Market, and Dave’s Hot Chicken.