DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ANTI-RACISM
Acceptance, Inclusion and Well-Being Through Sports
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, &
ANTI-RACISM
Acceptance, Inclusion and Wellbeing Through Sports
When Special Olympics launched in 1968, the mission was to end discrimination against individuals with intellectual disabilities through the power of sports. Inclusion has been at the forefront of the organization’s values since Day 1, and there cannot be true, all-encompassing inclusion without understanding the importance of diversity in a movement that seeks to break down barriers.
In the decades since its inception, the world has continued to change and Special Olympics, like the rest of the world, continues to adapt. Special Olympics Southern California values, celebrates and respects the various differences, neurodiversities, backgrounds and perspectives that makeup the Special Olympics athlete and world population.
DIVERSITY VISION STATEMENT
SOSC prides itself as a diverse, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist organization that practices equity, promotes unity and respects all voices to ensure everyone within our communities achieves their full potential.
DIVERSITY VISION STATEMENT
All programs offered in Southern California provide athletes with the chance to develop physical fitness, sports skills, social skills and confidence. By joining SOSC as an athlete, unified partner or young athlete, you can meet new friends, gain new and rewarding experiences, and find success in achieving your best.
DIVERSITY
Our board, staff, athletes, volunteers and partners represent the broad spectrum of the communities we serve. The uniqueness of each individual’s identities, experiences and perspectives are valued and given due consideration.
EQUITY
The work we do is characterized by fair treatment and open access to resources and opportunities.
INCLUSION
Our culture fosters a sense of belonging and support throughout the organization and the activities we sponsor. We actively invite individuals to fully and effectively participate in and contribute to critical organizational goals and processes.
ANTI-RACISM
We regularly and intentionally examine our policies, procedures, routines and unconscious bias to uncover the presence of systemic racism and actively dismantle and replace them with systems that promote and support equity for all.
DEIA ADVISORY COUNCIL 2025
Co-Chairs
Jessie Kernan
(board member)
Jennifer Rebollo
Brandon Adachi
Mark Bermudez
Lisa Carpenter
Bill Fields
(board member)
Goretti Ortiz
Marvin Poquiz
Mike Flavin
Ricki Hill
Jacqui Montero
2024 – 2026 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Goals
- Foster a more inclusive internal culture and raise bias awareness through training, policies, new behavior standards, and reward structures.
- Improve inclusiveness of communications, resources, and programming (e.g. multilingual and accessible website).
- Become a model of a unified organizational structure for people with disabilities.
- Increase athlete and volunteer diversity through broader and more inclusive outreach, especially in underserved communities.
SIGN UP FOR THE SOSC NEWSLETTER!
Get the latest on competitions, fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, and all the ways you can be part of the movement.
