The Blankenburg Family Embodies the Special Olympics Spirit
By Melanie Barrios If you're from San Luis Obispo County or have been involved with Special Olympics, chances are you have heard about the Blankenburg family and their extraordinary journey. Dick and Maxine Blankenburg started Special Olympics San Luis Obispo County in 1969, and their son Rick is one of the very first athletes to ...
Important Information on the Coronavirus Vaccine
Vaccines are one of the tools we have to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and Special Olympics Southern California wants to make sure you have information and resources regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage everyone who has access to the COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated. Studies show that the vaccines are very effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. ...
Albertsons, Vons, & Pavilions Campaign Supports Special Olympics Athletes During Pandemic
Through March 23, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions (AVP) shoppers will have the opportunity to donate at checkout to support Special Olympics Southern California athletes. Find your local store at SOSC.Org/AVP. “We are extremely grateful for our partnership with AVP,” said SOSC President and CEO Calvin Lyons. “Over the last 36 years, the AVP campaign has ...
SOSC To Host Virtual Event to Get People to Move Across California
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, ...
Special Olympics Southern California Mourns the Passing of Founder Rafer Johnson
Special Olympics Southern California was saddened to hear of the passing of Rafer Johnson, founder of SOSC, humanitarian, and Olympic Gold Medalist. The entire SOSC community, including athletes, volunteers, partners, and staff, mourns this loss. Today we lost one of our family members and one of the biggest champions for people with intellectual disabilities. ...
INSIDE SOSC: Getting to Know Charles Martindale
By Zach Fidel Special Olympics Southern California athletes don’t just get the opportunity to compete in various sporting events, they also get the chance make a lasting impact within the organization. Some even have traveled to places they have never dreamed about going. Charles Martindale, the San Diego Athlete Input Council Vice President, is an ...
INSIDE SOSC: Athlete Leaders ‘Spread Special Olympics Power’
Special Olympics San Diego athlete Sophie Demos sees value in athlete-led council participation. After all, who better than the athletes served to give direct feedback. She is one of 12 members on Special Olympics San Diego’s Athlete Input Council. “When the [athletes] have input, we help make it better and bigger for Special Olympics,” Sophie ...
Monti Peterson Finds His Voice
By Andrew Higa The impact Special Olympics Southern California has had on Monti Peterson can be seen in many instances of his life. He's had the opportunity to speak in front of the likes of Mattel and Toyota employees, as well as volunteer at a nearby VA hospital over the years. It's all thanks to ...
SOSC To Host Fall Extravaganza to Promote Wellness During COVID-19
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Special Olympics Southern California has found ways to continue its essential health, wellness, fitness, and educational programming virtually, and now, it will continue the celebration with a Fall Extravaganza. The Extravaganza will feature several engaging virtual events during October and November to inspire athletes, volunteers, and supporters to get moving and ...
LA Galaxy to Host Virtual Soccer Clinic; SOSC Athletes Invited to Attend
The Los Angeles Galaxy are conducting a virtual soccer clinic this Saturday, October 17 for the non-profit Academia de Futbol Juvenil Amatense (AFJA). Special Olympics Southern California high school athletes and Unified Partners are invited to participate. AFJA serves youth athletes in low income communities, mostly in Central America. They have even partnered with some ...