As summer heats up, Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) is abuzz with thrilling events, celebrations, and opportunities to support our incredible athletes. From community competitions to major fundraisers, there’s something for everyone to get involved in and cheer for. Here’s a roundup of what has been happening, what’s to come, and how you can be a part of it!
Bowling Season Highlights
The summer season of bowling has been a fantastic showcase of skill and sportsmanship among our athletes. Community competitions have been in full swing, providing a platform for local bowlers to demonstrate their talents and camaraderie. The excitement builds as we approach the 2024 SOSC Bowling Championship, scheduled for August 17th at Cal Bowl in Lakewood. This event promises to be a highlight of the season, bringing together top bowlers for a day of fierce competition and celebration of their achievements. Check out some photos from this season at the Orange County Bowling Competition on July 20.
Major League Soccer (MLS) Special Olympics Unified All-Star Game
July saw an exhilarating display of soccer talent and unified spirit at the 9th annual MLS Special Olympics Unified All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio. Four local athletes were selected to compete this year: Justin Boos and Daniel Loera represented LA Galaxy and Jonathan Gutierrez and Irene Lee represented the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). Although the West team played hard, a big congratulations goes out to the 2024 Major League Soccer Unified All-Star champions, Team East, who clinched a decisive 5-0 victory! Their outstanding performance earned them bragging rights and the title of Unified All-Stars. The Spirit of Fair Play Award went to Daniel Loera from the LA Galaxy Unified team, recognizing his exceptional sportsmanship and dedication. Two additional local games are scheduled for August 24 and 31. Visit our event calendar for more details.
Unified Champion Schools Charity Golf Tournament
On July 19, golfers and supporters gathered at Journey at Pechanga in Temecula to raise funds for Special Olympics Southern California athletes and Unified Champion Schools. The day was filled with excitement, joy, and a strong sense of community. A heartfelt thank you to the event sponsors, supporters, and everyone who came out to golf and champion inclusion. Your support helps local athletes and schools continue to thrive with inclusive programming. We look forward to seeing everyone next year as we carry on this mission!
The Fall Season of Sports is Quickly Approaching!
Now is the perfect time to get involved! If you’re interested in becoming an athlete or coaching in golf, soccer, softball, tennis, or volleyball, there are exciting opportunities awaiting you. Whether you’re looking to showcase your skills on the field, court, or green, or eager to support the athletes as a coach or team volunteer, there’s a place for you in our community. Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of this vibrant season. Learn more about how you can participate by visiting www.sosc.org/fallseason.
Upcoming Fundraising Events
Several exciting fundraising events are on the horizon, providing unique opportunities to support SOSC athletes and engage with the community:
- Plane Pull
August 24 at the Long Beach Airport
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Plane Pull at Long Beach Airport! This exhilarating event invites athletes, families, first responders, corporations, and spectators to test their strength and teamwork by pulling a 124,000-pound UPS jet 12 feet. Join us for a fun and challenging competition that supports SOSC athletes while fostering a sense of community.
www.sosc.org/planepull - Topgolf Tip-a-Cop
September 7 at Topgolf in El Segundo and Ontario
Join us for this Tip-a-Cop event at Topgolf El Segundo or Ontario. Local law enforcement officers will serve you while you enjoy a high-tech interactive golf experience. All tips will go directly to SOSC, supporting our athletes and their programs. Don’t miss the chance to have a great time while contributing to a worthy cause!
www.sosc.org/topgolftac - A Very Special BBQ
September 8 at Conejo Creek North Park in Thousand Oaks
Come on out to A Very Special BBQ—a day in the park packed with delicious food, exciting games, and endless fun with family and friends! Every ticket and donation helps support Special Olympics athletes and programs in Ventura County. Don’t miss the chance to have a blast and make a difference!
www.sosc.org/averyspecialbbq - Float with the Flame
September 14 at Wild Rivers in Irvine
Dive into excitement on September 14th at Wild Rivers Irvine for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Aquatic Torch Run! The Float with the Flame event will feature the inflatable Flame of Hope, symbolizing acceptance and inclusion. It’s a day of fun and unity, raising vital funds and awareness for SOSC athletes in Orange County.
www.sosc.org/floatwiththeflame - San Luis Obispo County Tip-a-Cop Dinners
September 17, 18 & 19 in Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo & Paso Robles
Take the night off from cooking and join us on September 17, 18, and 19 for the San Luis Obispo County Tip-a-Cop events! Local law enforcement officers will trade in their badges for aprons to spend an evening serving you. Enjoy a meal while supporting SOSC, as 100% of the proceeds raised will benefit SOSC athletes in San Luis Obispo County. It’s a fun and flavorful way to contribute to a great cause!
www.sosc.org/slocountytipacops
- Topgolf ProAm
September 27 at Topgolf in El Segundo
Join the Global ProAm Tournament hosted by Topgolf and Special Olympics! Teams from the U.S. and Great Britain, including Corporate, LETR®, and Unified Champion Schools®, are invited to compete. Enjoy a social hour and play at a Topgolf arena, where you might team up with a sports pro or Special Olympics athlete. Meals are included. Register now to secure your spot and support Special Olympics athletes. Sponsor or fundraise for your team’s entry and be part of the largest day of inclusive golf in history!
www.sosc.org/proam - Temecula Torch Run
September 29 in Temecula
Be a champion of acceptance and inclusion by participating in the Special Olympics Southern California Law Enforcement Temecula Torch Run. This event will bring together athletes and law enforcement officers to raise awareness and funds for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Inland Empire communities.
www.sosc.org/torchrun/temecula - Columbus Day Drive
October 14 at the Mission Viejo Country Club
Golf enthusiasts will hit the greens for the 20th Annual Columbus Day Drive at the beautiful Mission Viejo Country Club. This long-standing event raises awareness and funds for thousands of SOSC athletes across Orange County. It’s a day of golf, community, and support for the athletes.
www.sosc.org/cdd
Discover SOSC: Engage Zoom Sessions
Are you interested in learning more about Special Olympics Southern California? Join us for an Engage Zoom Session and discover the heart of SOSC. These sessions will provide insights into our mission, the remarkable athletes we support, and our plans for growth. You’ll also find out how you can become meaningfully involved in our community.
Register to attend on August 15 or September 19
Get Involved and Make a Difference
With so many exciting events on the calendar, there are numerous ways to get involved and support the Special Olympics Southern California community. Whether you’re participating in a competition, attending a fundraiser, registering to volunteer to support the athletes, or simply spreading the word, your support makes a difference in the lives of the athletes.