Category: Beyond Sports
CA Governor’s 2022-2023 Proposed Budget with Special Olympics Funding
Special Olympics Southern California is excited to share that Governor Newsom announced his proposed 2022-2023 budget, and he has included Special Olympics California. “An increase of $30 million one-time non-Proposition 98 General Fund, available over three-years, to support the Special Olympics in Northern and Southern California”. Not only does this increase annual funding contributions from ...
SOSC Board of Directors Welcomes New Members
We have some exciting news to announce regarding the Special Olympics Southern California Board of Directors. Since 2020, we have added nineteen accomplished and committed individuals to our esteemed Board. In 2020, we welcomed stellar newcomers Jennifer Pettit, Dr. Katherine Revoredo, Alan Martin, Bill Fields, and Krystal Johnson. 2021 saw an impressive class of fourteen ...
Mission Viejo High School and Robinson Elementary School to receive national recognition from Special Olympics for achievements with inclusion
Special Olympics Southern California has announced that Mission Viejo High School and Robinson Elementary School, two Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, are receiving national banner recognition for their efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without disabilities. Mission Viejo High School and Robinson Elementary School, both from Saddleback Valley Unified School ...
Volunteer Week: A Passion for Basketball Leads to Lifelong Friends
By Rachel Bialkin The pandemic has suspended many things in our lives, but one thing it couldn’t stop is Scott Norton’s passion for Special Olympics, his love for the athletes he coaches, and his determination. Since 1999, Scott Norton has volunteered as a basketball coach for Special Olympics Southern California in the Santa Clarita area. ...
Volunteer Week: Mom and Daughter Team Up to Spread Inclusion
By Melanie Barrios There is nothing Pam loves more than watching her daughter succeed in Special Olympics. Pam Anderson knows the importance of Special Olympics and the impact it is having on people with intellectual disabilities. For the past two decades, Pam has had a front-row seat watching her daughter, Debi, accomplish many things some ...
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. ...