2019 World Games: March 20 Round-up
The remaining Special Olympics Southern California athletes closed out the 2019 World Games strong — and one runner, in particular, received a much welcomed surprise ...
Inaugural Flag Football Event Raises $18,500
The inaugural Law Enforcement Torch Run Unified flag football tournament brought together 160 Special Olympics Southern California athletes and local law enforcement officers over the weekend, and two teams were left standing heading into Sunday afternoon’s championship game. LAPD Operations West Bureau Badgers claimed the trophy, outlasting OC Lawmen in a 16-6 contest at Los ...
Respect: The R-Word Special Olympics Strives to Promote
Stephanie Hardy remembers what life was like as a high school student with intellectual disabilities. There were days she would walk through the quad and bullies would stuff her in a trashcan, and other days would come with name-calling. She wanted to be seen and acknowledged like the rest of the students – but not ...
INSIDE SOSC: Healthy Dose of Care
Individuals with intellectual disabilities are an underserved community in many respects, and healthcare is among the most important areas. On average, people with ID die 16 years sooner than the general population due to denial of health services or undetected health issues. In the last two decades, Special Olympics has made significant strides to change ...
An Opportunity to Shine
Think of any sporting event, at any level, and the athletes involved share common goals. The teams and individuals want to test themselves, striving to rise to the occasion and perform their very best when the stakes are the highest. Special Olympics Southern California athletes are no different, and they continue to prove that year-round ...
INSIDE SOSC: ‘More Than Sports’
Daree Jordan sees her son, Justus, as one of the many athletes who have gone through a transformative experience with Special Olympics Southern California. Among the biggest differences are in the confidence the 24-year-old carries and the camaraderie he shares with his fellow Special Olympics San Luis Obispo County athletes. "He just looks forward to ...
INSIDE SOSC: Plenty to be Thankful For
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, the athletes and supporters of Special Olympics Southern California have demonstrated throughout the year that there is plenty to be thankful for when it comes to their personal experiences. Whether it's through learning the basics of a new sport or simple encouragement, SOSC athletes continue to see their coaches as so ...
RECAP: 2018 Fall Games, Day 2
More than 1,100 Special Olympics Southern California athletes shined as the two-day 2018 Fall Games came to a close Sunday in Fountain Valley. Golf was the last of the five sports to wrap up, as the competitors battled a strong wind in the afternoon during the nine-hole round at David L. Baker Golf Course. In ...
RECAP: 2018 Fall Games, Day 1
The opening day of the 2018 Special Olympics Southern California Fall Games featured competitive action in a revamped championship event lineup Saturday in Fountain Valley. More than 1,100 athletes competed in traditional fall sports soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball, and golf made its Fall Games debut after the introduction of a new sports plan prior ...
What They’re Saying at the 2018 Fall Games – Day 1
Special Olympics Southern California athletes and supporters were out in full force Saturday as the 2018 Fall Games kicked off in Fountain Valley. Here's what a few of them had to say on Day 1: "I began to love softball when I was young and watched my brother play baseball. I love it! It’s so ...
INSIDE SOSC: Cop on a Rooftop, and More
Special Olympics Southern California's Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser grew in Year 2, while athletes were fine-tuning their skills this past week in preparation for Fall Games. Cop on a Rooftop Thanks to law enforcement agencies across our footprint, Special Olympics Southern California raised $42,200 this year for the Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser at ...