On March 1, 2025, The Rinks Irvine Inline burst into life as hundreds of athletes, coaches, volunteers, partners, and fans united for the Special Olympics Southern California Floorball Championship. The atmosphere was filled with unwavering support and a shared passion for celebrating determination, teamwork, and unforgettable moments of triumph.
The event brought together floorball teams from across Southern California, showcasing not only exciting competition but also the power of unity and determination. As cheers and encouragement rang out across the venue, the athletes were encouraged to give their all on the rink.
The day kicked off with a spectacular Opening Ceremony featuring many of our talented athletes. Following was an energizing, athlete-led warm-up session introducing our new virtual program Power Up: Train Like a Champion, preparing participants physically and mentally for the games ahead.
During the day, athletes visited the Health Initiatives booth where they could sign up for the new Power Up virtual work out program, which is is a fun and inclusive program designed for everyone, no matter your fitness level or ability, including those with and without intellectual disabilities. Each workout focuses on a specific sport, with training exercises tailored to enhance performance in that sport. All equipment is provided, and athletes were able to pick up work-out kits on-site at the Health Initiatives booth.
A special highlight was the recognition of Rod Ledesma as SOSC’s 2025 Floorball Coach of the Season. Rod’s journey with SOSC began as a fan, cheering on his son who competed in golf, softball, and now floorball. Over the past two years, Rod has consistently asked, “What can I do to help?” Each time, he responded with unwavering dedication and action. He volunteered without hesitation, then took on coaching roles in golf, softball, and floorball. His commitment to training athletes, particularly during the Fall season with golf, has been exceptional. In addition, Rod became a clinician for golf and has been an incredible sponsor for the end-of-season golf gathering for the athletes. His generosity and dedication are truly inspiring, and we are fortunate to have him. Thank you for all that you do, Rod!
From exciting competition to intense skills demonstrations, we saw 230 athletes, coaches, and Unified partners going head-to-head across 13 traditional teams, 2 Unified teams, and 9 Individual Skills contestants — all fueled by passion, determination, and the support of more than 100 volunteers.
“This championship was more than just a competition — it was a celebration of inclusion and the limitless potential of our athletes,” said Kelly Pond, President & CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “The teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication on display are what make Special Olympics so inspiring — leaving a lasting impact on everyone who attended.”
With skillful plays to hard-fought goals, every moment highlighted the hard work of athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and volunteers — proving that when we play together, we break down barriers and build a more inclusive world.
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