The first of two days of Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games action is in the books. The event brings together an assortment of people from across Southern California.
Here’s what a few of them had to say on Day 1:
“My favorite part is racing against people so I can challenge them.”
–John Rojo, 23, track and field athlete from Whittier
“Good healthy fun, good teammates, and the coaches are nice to me.”
–Baneh Mostafani, 38, basketball player for the Laguna Hills Hawks
Harlan Gathright
“A friend of mine, 20-something years ago, asked me to [referee for Special Olympics competitions]. I had such a great experience and it’s always just had such a place in my heart. … It’s more like what basketball is supposed to be about.”
–Harlan Gathright, volunteer basketball referee
“It is impressive. It’s quite an organization to put all of this together. It is a very friendly community. … [The athletes] are so welcoming. They seem to be happy to be here, and that’s the best thing.”
–Claude White, first-year volunteer
“He’s developed a sense of friendship and teamwork [because of Special Olympics]. I’m full of love. I see him running and, for me, it’s like an open window [to] see that he can do what everybody can do.”
–Emma Iglesias, grandmother of Special Olympics athlete Evan Williams
“Nobody is too small or insignificant, and everybody contributes. The kids and adults really enjoy it, of all ages and disabilities.”
–Officer Crystal Burke-Potts
“I love to see their smiles and thrill of achievement.”
–Ron Lucchesi, L.A. County Sheriff
“I’ve had athletes and parents come to me and say it really does make a difference when you make it just like every other sport and just as competitive.”
–Christina Kirkman, fourth-year swim coach for Northern Santa Barbara County (Santa Maria), on treating her swimmers like athletes and no less
What They Were Saying on Social Media
Awesome to be hosting the Southern California @SpecialOlympics today with the incomparable @Kodileerocks performing the national anthem & the @RamsNFL supporting. #Sosc50 pic.twitter.com/jdpeQyVfjU
— Matt Iseman (@mattiseman) June 8, 2019
@LBPD Officers and their families were proud to cook & serve lunch for the athletes at the @SOSoCal Summer Games. Easily one of our favorite events of the year! pic.twitter.com/pkPO89Z37K
— Long Beach POA (@LBPOA) June 8, 2019
Another @SOSoCal Special Olympics in the books! An amazing day with #WeAreSOSC, @Kodileerocks + all the incredible athletes! 🙌#RamsHuddlefor100 pic.twitter.com/PkYWP4tg3W
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) June 8, 2019
Yet again, I leave a @SOSoCal event feeling full of joy and appreciation for an organization that unified and empowers people through sport. Huge congrats on your 50 year anniversary in SoCal. I know the next 50 will be incredible! https://t.co/ySE475BqfB
— Johnny Hekker (@JHekker) June 8, 2019