Special Olympics Southern California is finding new ways to keep athletes engaged and moving with Move Across California (MAC). From February 1 – March 13, teams will participate in a 1000-mile journey across California in an interactive experience to reach one-of-a-kind virtual pit stops. Learn more at sosc.org/MAC.
The virtual journey starts in San Diego, and teams will move their way up the CA coast to SF and then back down to LA. Along the way, athletes, volunteers, and supporters alike will virtually move (walk, run, bike, etc.) through several Californian landmarks, such as the San Diego Zoo, Yosemite National Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. Although participants won’t physically visit each pit stop or move across the state, the interactive experience will sometimes make you forget that MAC is a virtual event.
All SOSC athletes participating will receive a pedometer to track their miles locally through the WalkingSpree app. Once a team completes the amount of miles to the next location, they will unlock the virtual pit stop and be awarded with incentives and activities. There will also be a live video experience that highlights the beauty and fun of CA for the teams to watch at each pit stop. To learn more about the pit stop calendar, visit https://bit.ly/38zUUoD.
“Our athletes are yearning to get back to sports,” said SOSC President and CEO Calvin Lyons. “Although we can’t return to action just yet, our goal is to still provide fun, alternative programming that helps the athletes stay healthy and social. Collectively, Move Across California teams will move 1,000 miles, which is just longer than the length of the state of California. This is a great event to get our SOSC community moving and bring together athletes, families, and fans in an inclusive virtual event!”
There are several ways to get involved in MAC. Coaches and local program leaders can register teams or groups of athletes, SOSC athletes can start a team or register as an individual, and the general public and SOSC fans are encouraged to participate as well.. To register for Move Across California, visit www.sosc.org/MAC. Teams can have a maximum of 10 people and a minimum of six.
Everyone is encouraged to raise funds for Special Olympics Southern California as they move to a better future. All funds raised will help support virtual sports, wellness, and leadership programming for athletes with intellectual disabilities. This includes virtual fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition clubs; virtual sports leagues; online leadership training; opportunities; safety and hygiene equipment; innovative technology to connect the coaches and athletes; and more. All SOSC programming empowers athletes to improve their health, grow their self-confidence, and become more independent. It prepares them for the game of life.
For those who can’t participate, but still want to contribute, they can make a donation to an athlete, team, or the event at https://bit.ly/35w8NT8.
Although the pandemic has greatly affected all parts of the California and the country, SOSC is accepting the challenge to keep moving for a healthier, better life. Join in on the fun and Move Across California by walking, swimming, running, or any other type of activity that requires movement. Let’s get moving!
Learn more about Move Across California at sosc.org/MAC.
Special Olympics Southern California
Special Olympics Southern California enriches the lives of athletes and their communities through sports, leadership programs, and athlete health. Our free, year-round programs leads 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.