From Student to Mentor
Mike Dyer wants to help Special Olympics Southern California athletes reach the same thrills he experienced during his time as an athlete. A right shoulder ...
INSIDE SOSC: Inspiration Knows No Bounds
More than 180 athletes took part in soccer, softball, tennis and skills competitions at the 2019 North Divisional Fall Games last Saturday in Santa Maria. For athletes like Maria Sandoval of Santa Maria, the competitions represent more than just a game. The 56-year-old is often smiling, laughing and even encouraging those she competes against. On ...
INSIDE SOSC: Gearing Up for Fall Games
In less than a month, athletes through Southern California will convene in Fountain Valley for the annual Special Olympics Southern California Fall Games championship event. Until then, the athletes have been honing their skills in regional competitions. Four events took place this past weekend and WeAreSOSC.org was in attendance at competitions in Perris and South ...
INSIDE SOSC: Central Coast Hosts Plane Pull
Ten teams of 15 people tested their strength at the Central Coast Airfest and Band of Brothers ECHO Group came out on top at the Special Olympics Northern Santa Barbara Plane Pull in Santa Maria last Saturday. Much like the annual Long Beach Plane Pull event, teams raised funds and competed to see which team ...
INSIDE SOSC: Fun and Games Aplenty
Hundreds of Special Olympics Southern California athletes took in back-to-back days of competition and fun this past weekend. Six separate competitions were hosted throughout Southern California last Saturday, including soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball games at the Orange County Regional Fall Games at the Santa Ana Public Schools Sports Complex. The following day, many made ...
INSIDE SOSC: Volunteer Referee Makes the Right Call
By Ryan Lefever Being a referee, you have to make the right call at the right time and for Harlan Gathright, making the call to get involved with Special Olympics Southern California was one that he would not challenge . Harlan has been officiating basketball for over 30 years, and the love and passion for ...
INSIDE SOSC: Westside Runner Keeps Legs, Determination Moving
Auna Pines has proven to not only be brave in the attempt, but persistent enough to turn a no into a yes. The Special Olympics Westside athlete has been a runner since the age of 12. She’s taken a liking to long-distance races. Her motivation, however, was fueled when she did not qualify within the ...
INSIDE SOSC: Fall Season, Fundraisers Get Underway
Special Olympics athletes across Southern California are preparing to close out the 2019 competition calendar. The fall season consists of five sports: golf, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. Among the competitions on the event calendar, the North (Oct. 26) and Central (Oct. 19) divisions will host respective Divisional Fall Games competitions. The season will culminate ...
Global Messenger Touted for Outreach
By Emma Lee Long Beach/Whittier athlete Jared Kozak was presented with the Richard L. Van Kirk Outstanding Outreach Achievement Award at Special Olympics Southern California's Board of Directors meeting on Thursday. Presented annually since 2001, the award is named after Special Olympics Southern California’s first president. After passing away in November 2018, his son now ...
Fillmore and Trabuco High Schools Receive Recognition from Special Olympics
LONG BEACH, Calif. (September 3, 2019) – Special Olympics Southern California has announced that Fillmore High School and Trabuco Hills High School, both 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. Fillmore High School and Trabuco Hills High ...
Fall Sports: Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis & Volleyball Return
By Chris Jones The fall sports season for Special Olympics Southern California is quickly approaching. As the Bowling Championship concluded in epic fashion, we expect more exhilarating and inclusion-oriented play from SOSC athletes. Fall season will consist of five sports: golf, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. With over thousands of athletes throughout Southern California looking ...