Jacob Marsalek is Breaking Barriers and Setting His Own Path to Happiness
By Melanie Barrios Through sports, Special Olympics athletes build skills that will help them succeed—on the sports field and in the community. Just take a ...
Return to Activity Update Due to Coronavirus: 9/14/21
The health and safety of athletes, volunteers, and employees continues to be our number one priority. We continually track information from trusted health resources about the presence and impact of COVID-19 on communities in Southern California. Following is an update to our Return to Activity plan which takes into account that information: Based on ...
The Athlete & Coach Bond
by Christian Bood In the pool of life, everyone deserves a support system to keep them afloat. Someone to guide us through the water when situations get tough or simply cheer us on when we are splashing past the competition. Special Olympics Athlete Christina Principe and Coach Leslie Runnelstover have a unique bond that began ...
Assemblymembers Grayson and Frazier Announce $6 Million in Funding Secured for Special Olympics California
For Immediate Release Contact: Audrey Detmer, audrey.detmer@asm.ca.gov, (925) 876-7307 (Sacramento, CA) – Governor Gavin Newsom signed a budget trailer bill (AB 130, Committee on Budget) that included $6 million in funding for Special Olympics Northern and Special Olympics Southern California, which was a priority of Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) and Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Fairfield). “Through ...
We’re Back to In-Person Activities on 7/6/21! Updates Return to Activity Due to the Coronavirus
We’re back! Limited in-person activities will begin on July 6, 2021. We have been planning for this for months and look forward to welcoming back all athletes and coaches. The health and safety of athletes, volunteers and employees is our number one priority. Based on our understanding of the improved environment in Southern California with ...
Volunteer Week: A Passion for Basketball Leads to Lifelong Friends
By Rachel Bialkin The pandemic has suspended many things in our lives, but one thing it couldn’t stop is Scott Norton’s passion for Special Olympics, his love for the athletes he coaches, and his determination. Since 1999, Scott Norton has volunteered as a basketball coach for Special Olympics Southern California in the Santa Clarita area. ...
Volunteer Week: Mom and Daughter Team Up to Spread Inclusion
By Melanie Barrios There is nothing Pam loves more than watching her daughter succeed in Special Olympics. Pam Anderson knows the importance of Special Olympics and the impact it is having on people with intellectual disabilities. For the past two decades, Pam has had a front-row seat watching her daughter, Debi, accomplish many things some ...
Colbert Williams: A Fierce Competitor and Passionate Vons Employee
By Rachel Bialkin Since 1988, Colbert Williams has been a passionate athlete and fierce competitor with Special Olympics Southern California. Colbert has participated in sports such as basketball, skiing, volleyball, swimming, track & field, and speed skating. His favorite sport to play is floor hockey! Colbert loves to participate in each sport because it keeps ...
SOSC Creates Virtual Sports Leagues So Athletes Can Stay in the Game During the Pandemic
Special Olympics Southern California launched Virtual Sports Leagues so athletes can stay active, socialize and participate on a team, and compete safely during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Athletes will have the chance to compete virtually with their team from March 29 through June 5. Learn more at sosc.org/VSL. Due to the pandemic and the potential ...
Kaiser Permanente and Special Olympics Southern California Announce Renewed Partnership Benefiting Athletes
PASADENA, Calif., March. 18, 2021 — Kaiser Permanente and Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) today announced a renewed three-year partnership in which physicians and medical support staff will continue providing high-quality health education; medical support; consulting; and when athletes return to competition, sideline care. With March recognized as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Special ...
The Blankenburg Family Embodies the Special Olympics Spirit
By Melanie Barrios If you're from San Luis Obispo County or have been involved with Special Olympics, chances are you have heard about the Blankenburg family and their extraordinary journey. Dick and Maxine Blankenburg started Special Olympics San Luis Obispo County in 1969, and their son Rick is one of the very first athletes to ...