California voters are calling on their elected officials to support Assemblymember Tim Grayson’s budget request to continue state funding of Special Olympics California during the COVID-19 health crisis.
Asm. Grayson strongly supports a $6 million budget request to continue funding Special Olympics California programs at their current levels. Special Olympics California allocates 100-percent of the State of California funding to direct program costs. This critical funding enables Special Olympics California to continue to provide virtual programming, distance education, and inclusive online communities for our athletes and communities throughout California.
Community Impact
Since 2016, Special Olympics California and the State of California have partnered to deliver essential wellness and fitness programs to our most vulnerable populations. Over 64,300 California residents throughout all 58-California counties rely on free, year around Special Olympics programs. The programs impact our communities by helping improve health, wellness, and independence among athletes with intellectual disabilities, while also promoting acceptance and inclusion.
COVID-19 Health Crisis and Economic Downturn
As a direct result of the COVID-19 health crisis and the economic downturn, Special Olympics will experience a substantial revenue reduction in 2020-2021. Individual contributions, corporate donations, and endowment revenue have dramatically decreased. Dozens of fundraising events throughout California were cancelled due to COVID-19 health concerns. As a result, Special Olympics California has lost over $1 million in needed revenue.
“Our ability to effectively serve athletes and the intellectual disabilities community will largely be determined by the financial support and partnership with the State of California,” said Special Olympics California Presidents and CEO Bill Shumard and David Solo. “Without continued funding from the state, we would need to identify alternative revenue options to support the athletes that we serve in California. We need our elected officials to prioritize the essential needs of our athletes, especially during this devastating global pandemic.”
We need your help
Let your elected officials know that you support Asm. Grayson’s budget request to help Special Olympics California continue serving all of our communities while building a more inclusive California.
Please click here to sign the petition and let your elected officials know you support the 64,300 California residents that rely on Special Olympics programs.
Special Olympics California
Special Olympics California enriches the lives of 64,300 athletes and their supporters through sports, leadership programs, and athlete health. Our free, year-round programs lead to improved health, self-confidence, and independence among athletes with intellectual disabilities and acceptance and inclusion in the community. Learn more about Special Olympics California programs at Special Olympics Northern California and Special Olympics Southern California