USA Triathlon Collegiate Club National Championships in Mission Viejo April 13-14

I am a sports fan and appreciate the dedication of athletes, but I question the integrity of organizations that come into our City, especially those seeking financial support, and especially those that are sponsored by the CBD industry.

Since 2008, the OC Triathlon reimbursed the City and the OCSD for expenses incurred. All costs were covered by the OC Triathlon organizers.

This year, Empower Multi-Sports, representing the USA Triathlon, came to the City on 08/22/2023, asking for $100,000 to cover operating costs. $100,000? I could not find any financial data Empower Multi-Sports. What are the salary and compensation arrangements for its officers? On a 4-1 vote, the Council voted to donate $30,000 in matching funds. After the City of Lake Forest turned down its request for a $20,000 donation, Empower came back to the City on 02/27/2024, asking for another $20,000. It was granted on a 4-1 vote.

According to GuideStar, an organization that collects financial information on non-profits, USA Triathlon gross receipts are $30,774,291 with $17,127,875 in assets. According to USA Triathlon's website, its Presenting Sponsor is Gameday CBD. Gameday's own website advises to consult your own physician about the safety of CBD products and Gameday also admits that CBD is in legal flux.

CBD is unregulated. Having a CBD sponsorship of this collegiate event in our City is unacceptable and the Council should have rejected this event immediately.

I would agree that a City validated sponsor affiliated with the cannabis industry is problematic in a few aspects. The Food & Drug Administration has issued a plethora of warning letters to businesses that illegally market cannabidiol (CBD) based upon negative health impacts. These products are being sold over the counter, not in authorized dispensaries. Some of the products being sold imitate the appearance of candy which are mainly consumed by children. FDA research determined about one-quarter of tested edibles contained THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana. However, the City Council stands firmly behind the activity of the CBD sponsor, notwithstanding the questionable impression this leaves on youth exposed to the CBD advertising.

My recommendation would be to eliminate the sponsorship of any CBD vendor, or at least curtail any signage or advertising of any kind.

I agree with the Writer in the Comment section that both the financial arrangements and the CBD sponsorship do not mix with a competitive Triathlon event for the City of Mission Viejo. Seems there is a lack of oversite as to the quality and purpose of the organization funding this event.

I agree with the Writer in the Comment section that both the financial arrangements and the CBD sponsorship do not mix with a competitive Triathlon event for the City of Mission Viejo. Seems there is a lack of oversite as to the quality and purpose of the organization funding this event.
Having a CBD sponsorship of this collegiate event in our City is unacceptable and the Council should have rejected this event immediately.