Category: Coach
INSIDE SOSC: Volunteers Drive Regional Competitions
It was a fitting end to National Volunteer Week last weekend at regional competitions throughout Special Olympics Southern California. Volunteers came out in record numbers to support some of the longer running regional competitions, including the Pomona Valley Area Games at Boys Republic and the San Diego County Athletics Regional at Point Loma Nazarene University. ...
National Volunteer Week Spotlight: Thank You, Coaches
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, Special Olympics Southern California would like to recognize the coaches who volunteer their time to help train our more than 34,000 athletes. It is often said that they are impacted more than the athletes they coach. In fact, here are some of the coaches, in their own words, from ...
National Volunteer Week Spotlight: Valerie Ruiz
By Ashley Carney The Sweetwater Union High School District in San Diego awarded Valerie Ruiz “Special Educator of the Year” for her tireless work and dedication toward getting the district involved with Special Olympics Unified Sports. When Unified Sports was first introduced to the SUHSD in January 2016, Valerie was in the middle of a ...
#SundaySpotlight: David Amavisca
David Amavisca’s involvement with Special Olympics Southern California started as a parent, like many. David and his wife, Yndira, then branched out into volunteering, and specifically coaching. David’s impact has reached far more than just his son, Elias, as he was named the 2018 Floor Hockey Coach of the Season. David, a Santa Maria resident, ...
#SundaySpotlight: Kent Menendez
By Christian Barel Trying something new can be a path to a lifelong passion. For Kent Menendez, this statement holds true. Not afraid to immerse himself in new experiences, he attempted playing almost every sport. However, with those sports something didn’t seem to mesh with him. Well, at least that was the case, until he ...
#SundaySpotlight: Fall Coach Honorees
LONG BEACH, Calif. -- At the conclusion of the fall sports season, Special Olympics Southern California honored the Coaches of the Season for Fall 2017. Earning the honor were Kayla Edwards (softball, Santa Barbara), Eileen Malumaleumu (bowling, Carson), Jacque Martin (tennis, Oceanside), Carly Matera (volleyball, San Luis Obispo) and Adam Sutphin (soccer, Glendale). Special Olympics ...
#Bestof2017: Little Voice
This last week of 2017, we have looked at some of the moments that define the movement here at Special Olympics Southern California. There were so many, but we are attempting to give you the "Best of 2017." Today, on the final day of 2017, we wrap-up our "Best of 2017" with this story about ...
Pushing Boundaries
Amanda Stegall was once hesitant about competing athletically – not because she wasn’t intrigued, but for safety reasons. Amanda, who has cerebral palsy, is appreciative of a selection of non-contact sports to remain active. “She’ll try anything now,” said her grandmother, Linda, a coach for Special Olympics Santa Clarita. Amanda, 25, participates in bocce in ...
INSIDE SOSC: Inspiration Abound at Fall Games on Day 1
Every year, Fall Games attracts more than 900 athletes throughout Special Olympics Southern California’s footprint. The common bond is most of, if not all, the athletes have overcome some sort of adversity via intellectual disability to compete and showcase their capabilities. The volunteers and fans in attendance certainly took notice Saturday for the first day ...
Coach: Athletes Are ‘Most Joyful Part of My Week’
Umberto Gatti can look at the athletes on the Special Olympics Southern California volleyball team he coaches in the South Bay and beam with pride. There’s no judgment or preconceived notions, no barriers based on appearance. Respect for one another is just a given. “Seeing our athletes hang out with each other, without thinking about ...