Special Olympics Southern California,will be holding its annual SUMMER GAMES at Cal State Long Beach, June 13-14. Athletes from as far south as San Diego to Santa Barbara to San Bernardino will participate and you’re invited and encouraged to attend this special weekend long event.
This is the second largest Special Olympics competition that begins early Saturday morning, June 13th with the torch lighting opening ceremony at 9:30am. Throughout the weekend expect to see a variety of competitions, award ceremonies and special athlete educational events.
It is estimated that 1,100 athletes from Southern California will complete in the following events:
- Aquatics
- Basketball
- Bocce Ball
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Track & Field
- and more
Called one of the largest humanitarian events in Los Angeles since the 1984 Summer Olympics, World Games (www.LA2015.org ) will bring an estimated half-million people to the greater Los Angeles area, with more than 7,000 Special Olympic athletes participating from 170 nations. There will be 15 athletes competing in Summer Games who will then compete in the World Games. Day one of Summer Games will include the annual “Breakfast with Champions” where leaders of the business and sports communities come together to honor the accomplishments of Special Olympics athletes. This year, keynote speaker will be Doc Rivers, President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach for the Los Angeles Clippers. Tickets start at $75 and can be purchased at www.sosc.org/bwc.
During Summer Games, SOSC will showcase two of its signature programs, Healthy Athletes and Young
Athletes. Free health screenings will be provided, and participants in the Young Athletes Program (ages 2 ½ to 7) will learn the importance of sporting activities, which are vital to mental development and physical growth to the youngest members of the Special Olympics community.
“We are tremendously grateful to the University and its generosity,” says Bill Shumard CEO and President,
Special Olympics Southern California. “From use of campus facilities for matches, their residence halls which
house our athletes, to the welcoming staff, we are thrilled that Summer Games will continue at Cal State Long Beach.”
For nearly 50 years, Special Olympics has provided individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to
succeed through the power of sport, providing sports training, competitions, and health education
opportunities at no cost to them or their families.
“Seeing the determination on their faces is inspiring,” says Shumard. “Our athletes are excited to share the
benefits of the many hours they have spent practicing and improving their skills, while building lasting
relationships with coaches and teammates. It’s truly remarkable to watch the athletes live the oath of Special
Olympics, ‘If I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’ That’s what Special Olympics is all about.”
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit https://www.sosc.org/summergames
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About Special Olympics Southern California
Special Olympics Southern California enriches the lives of more than 17,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and their communities through sports, education, and athlete health. Founded in 1969 by Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson, Special Olympics Southern California provides free year-round sports training and competitions to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Participation develops improved physical fitness and motor skills and greater self-confidence. Special Olympics has become the world’s largest movement dedicated to promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion, and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities. Using sports as the catalyst and programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and intolerance. As a result, people with intellectual disabilities become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Learn how you can get involved at www.sosc.org .
