Move for inclusion with Special Olympics Southern California during the End of Summer Extravaganza in August. SOSC is planning numerous events to celebrate the athletes and encourage everyone, along with volunteers and supporters, to get active.
The Extravaganza will take place August 8-29 and will consist of several virtual events that are open to everyone, including the Run/Walk for Inclusion, the Plane Pull, a Bingo, a Dance, and the Temecula Torch Run. Learn more at www.sosc.org/Extrvaganza. Whether you want to get your sweat on, show off your creativity, socialize with friends, or rock out to jams, there is something for everyone.
Although all summer training and competitions were canceled due to the COVID-19 health crisis, SOSC is still providing creative alternatives for athletes and supporters to stay active and engage with peers.
“Our athletes are really missing out on competing and socializing with their teammates, and we miss seeing their faces and giving them high fives,” said SOSC President and CEO Bill Shumard. “The End of Summer Extravaganza is a way to safely compete, celebrate, and get active as we adapt to this new normal.”
Opening Ceremony & Virtual Run/Walk for Inclusion – August 8
The End of Summer Extravaganza will kick off on August 8 from 10:00-10:30 a.m. with a virtual Opening Ceremony. There will be exciting guest speakers, musical performances, and more to celebrate the end of summer.
After the opening ceremony, members of the SOSC community are invited to lace up their shoes, put on their favorite Special Olympics gear, and head outside to move for inclusion. Participants can choose to run, walk, bike, or unicycle — anything to get outside and move! The first 50 SOSC athletes and first 150 supporters to register will receive a virtual walk medal. Learn more at sosc.org/CeremonyRun.
Virtual Plane Pull – August 15-31
Typically around this time of the year, thousands of people would attend the annual SOSC Plane Pull event at the Long Beach Airport to see teams compete to pull a 124,000 UPS cargo plane the fastest. Although the in-person Plane Pull event is canceled, SOSC has found some fun ways to engage supporters from August 15-31.
Plane Building Competition: Participants can register as an individual or team to fundraise and build a balsawood plane until August 15. SOSC will send out plane building materials to registered participants. Prizes will be awarded for flight distance and most creative planes. Register at sosc.org/PlanePull.
Fitness Competition: Although participants won’t be able to pull a 124,000 pound plane this year, people are invited to help SOSC complete workouts to reach 124,000 reps. To learn more about how to earn points and win prizes, register at sosc.org/PlanePull.
To support a team, participant, or make a general donation, visit sosc.org/PlanePull.
Bingo & Dance – August 22
SOSC will continue the End of Summer Extravaganza with a fun online Bingo game plus a Hawaiian-themed Dance on August 22. The dance will air on SOSC’s Zoom account, Facebook Live, and Youtube Live and is open to the public. To register for Bingo and RSVP to the dance, visit sosc.org/DanceBingo.
Temecula Torch Run – August 29
Closing out the End of Summer Extravaganza is the Temecula Torch Run on August 29. Support Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement officers as they participate in a virtual event to raise awareness and funds for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Those who are interested can participate by registering as an individual, starting a team, joining a team, donating, or becoming a sponsor. Learn more at sosc.org/Torchrun/Temecula.
Share Your Photos on Social Media
SOSC is encouraging all members of its community to share pictures and videos from the Extravaganza by using the #SOSCExtravaganza hashtag. For more information about the End of Summer Extravaganza, visit sosc.org/Extravaganza.
Special Olympics Southern California
Special Olympics Southern California enriches the lives of 38,200 athletes and their communities 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. Special Olympics Southern California has earned a four-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 http://www.sosc.org.