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LOCAL PROGRAMS

Bring Special Olympics to your community

LOCAL PROGRAMS

Bring Special Olympics to Your Community

2026 Training Camp

START SOMETHING THAT LASTS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Local Programs are community‑led teams that bring Special Olympics Southern California to life where you live. By creating opportunities for athletes to train, compete, and connect, you help build a consistent and inclusive space that athletes, families, and volunteers can count on. With the support of SOSC, your effort becomes something bigger, a local program that creates lasting impact and belonging right in your community.

START SOMETHING THAT LASTS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Local Programs are community‑led teams that bring Special Olympics Southern California to life where you live. By creating opportunities for athletes to train, compete, and connect, you help build a consistent and inclusive space that athletes, families, and volunteers can count on. With the support of SOSC, your effort becomes something bigger, a local program that creates lasting impact and belonging right in your community.

2026 Training Camp

You Can Build a Program That Makes a Difference

local programs Interest Form
Local Programs are started and led by people who care about inclusion and want to create more opportunities close to home. Whether you are a volunteer, parent, educator, athlete, or community leader, you can bring people together through sports, practices, and inclusive activities that grow over time. Across Southern California, Local Programs take many forms, from school‑based teams and city recreation groups to community organizations and volunteer‑led clubs. With guidance, tools, and support from SOSC, you can turn your idea into a sustainable program that strengthens your community and gives athletes a place to compete, connect, and belong.

Steps to Bring a Local Program to Life

1

Share Your Interest with Regional SOSC Staff
READ MORE

2

Rally a Core Group of Volunteers

 

READ MORE

3

Secure a Program Coordinator

READ MORE

4

Recruit a Volunteer Leadership Team

READ MORE

5

Engage the Community

READ MORE

6

Participate in Sports Training & Competitions
READ MORE

7

Get Involved in Other Programming
READ MORE

8

Become Accredited
READ MORE

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

DOWNLOAD LOCAL PROGRAMS GUIDE
2025 A Very Special BBQ local event

Questions?

Contact us with any questions about starting a local program in your community

Brian Richter

Assistant Vice President, Community Partnerships
562.502.1142
EMAIL

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WITH SOSC

Compete as a Unified Partner
Join Us!
Day of Event Volunteer
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Become a Sponsor
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Organize A Fundraiser
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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.

2024 Summer Games athlete and coach hug
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Share Your Interest with Regional SOSC Staff

Collaborate with SOSC staff to establish your Local Program’s needs, development, and maintenance plan. This will ensure you get the support you will need.

Interest form

Rally a Core Group of Volunteers

This core group of volunteers can support the process and help recruit the Local Program Leadership team or become members themselves.

Volunteers cheering on Special Olympic athletes at 2025 LA Spring Competition

Secure a Local Program Coordinator

A Local Program Coordinator oversees operations, manages volunteers, and serves as the primary point of contact with SOSC staff.

What Is a LOcal Program Coordinator?

Recruit a Volunteer Leadership Team

This core team supports the Local Program Coordinator and helps drive Local Program success.

Sports Coordinator
Fundraising Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator
Athlete Leader

Engage the Community

Alongside SOSC staff, recruit participants and partnerships for your Local Program.

  • Athletes
  • Unified Partners
  • Volunteer coaches
  • Young Athletes
  • Partnerships with the community including regional centers and potential facilities
2025 A Very Special BBQ

Participate in Sports Training and Competitions

Participants engage in weekly practices during each sports season and attend regional competitions.

Local Programs are required to offer training options in a minimum of two seasons.

Hero training running

Get Involved in Other Programming

Young Athletes hero

Become Accredited

Complete and maintain the first six steps within six months to become accredited as a Special Olympics Southern California Local Program!

Accreditation Resource
SOSC 2 Line

NEED HELP?

Contact Us

Make a Donation

562.502.1100 or
Email | info@sosc.org

Website & Technical Problems

562.502.1050 or
Email | lsundal@sosc.org

General Questions

562.502.1100 or
Email | info@sosc.org