More than 900 Athletes Will Reach For the Gold at 2017 Fall Games

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. (Oct. 26) — More than 900 athletes will Reach for the Gold at Special Olympics Southern California’s 2017 Fall Games on Nov. 11 – 12 at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Park and Nov. 12 at Fountain Bowl in Fountain Valley. Athletes will compete in five sports – bowling, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball.

Fall Games is expected to attract more than 5,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and spectators over the course of the event. As one of SOSC’s largest competitions, the Games will feature athletes from San Luis Obispo County to San Diego County. The public is invited to attend this free event and cheer on the athletes as they compete.

“Fall Games is an exciting opportunity for the public to experience the joy and courage our athletes experience through the power of sports,” said Bill Shumard, President and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “The Games provide a fun environment for families to enjoy sports competition, music, games, and more all while promoting acceptance and inclusion.”

Those coming to the Games are encouraged to take advantage of the fan experience opportunities. Fans in the Stands allows individuals and groups the opportunity to come together and cheer on the athletes as valued spectators. Those who plan to attend as Fans in the Stands are front and center to all the action and can get cheer gear at the Fan Zone.

Fans are also encouraged to sign-up up for the Fan Experience Tour where you can take a 1-hour tour of the Games and meet SOSC athletes. To sign-up or for more information, CLICK HERE.

Fall Games will kick-off on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. with the Opening Ceremony at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Park, where a local law enforcement officer and Special Olympics athlete will light the Flame of Hope, signifying the start of the Games.

Following Opening Ceremony, Special Olympics athletes will compete in soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Sunday, Nov. 12, those same four sports will compete from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park. The bowling competition will be held on Sunday at Fountain Bowl in Fountain Valley from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opening Ceremony at the bowling venue will start at 8:45 a.m.

Fall Games will have competition opportunities for athletes of all ages. Children ages two to seven, with and without intellectual disables, are introduced to sports and will showcase their skills during the Young Athletes Festival. Young Athletes is a program that focuses on activities for mental and physical growth. Activities include walking and running, balancing and jumping, and throwing and catching. At the Rising Stars Experience, young athletes ages six and seven have the opportunity to apply their talents in a sport-specific event.

To keep the athletes prepared for their training and competitions, athletes can receive free health screenings at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park on both days. Volunteer healthcare professionals and students provide podiatry, hearing, dental, dietary, and fitness screenings for the athletes in a welcoming and fun environment.

The Festival provides athletes and spectators with a place to unwind after competitions. Some of the things you’ll see at the Festival include games and activities hosted by sponsors, entertainment and music, the Family Pavilion, and Special Olympics souvenirs and clothing.

Here is a look at schedule for Fall Games:

SATURDAY, NOV. 11
Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Park
Soccer, Softball, Tennis & Volleyball

• 9:00 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
• 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Competitions & Award Ceremonies

SUNDAY, NOV. 12
Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Park
Soccer, Softball, Tennis & Volleyball

• 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Competitions & Award Ceremonies

Fountain Bowl
Bowling

• 8:45 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
• 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Competition & Awards Ceremonies

All Weekend
Fountain Valley Sports Park

• Festival: Sponsor and law enforcement booths offering games & activities
• Healthy Athletes – Free health screenings
• Young Athletes Festival
• Rafer’s Boutique – Souvenirs & merchandise
• Family Pavilion – Unite with your community between events
• Fan Zone – Fans in the Stands pick up cheer gear

The 2017 Fall Games are made possible with the help of 230 coaches, 1,000 volunteers, and generous contributions from individuals and corporate sponsors. The presenting sponsor of this year’s Fall Games is Reliance Steel & Aluminum Company.

For more information about Fall Games, visit www.sosc.org/fallgames.

ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Special Olympics Southern California enriches the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities through sports, health, and leadership programs. Special Olympics helps athletes become more independent, build self-esteem, and live healthier lives. They inspire people to open their hearts and create more accepting and inclusive communities. All Special Olympics programs are free to the athletes and their families. Special Olympics Southern California has earned a 4-star ranking from Charity Navigator for exceeding industry standards. This ranking is the highest Charity Navigator offers to an organization and is given because Special Olympics has demonstrated strong financial health and a commitment to accountability and transparency. Learn more at www.sosc.org.

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