lsundal@sosc.org – Page 7 – Special Olympics Southern California

Jacob Marsalek is Breaking Barriers and Setting His Own Path to Happiness

3 Comments / Athletes, Golf, Inside SOSC, Mission, Sports, Volleyball / lsundal@sosc.org

By Melanie Barrios Through sports, Special Olympics athletes build skills that will help them succeed—on the sports field and in the community. Just take a look at Jacob Marsalek. Jacob is one impressive individual. At an age where most children are coming into their own, Jacob was already playing softball, bocce, volleyball, and golf and […]

Jacob Marsalek is Breaking Barriers and Setting His Own Path to Happiness Read More »

Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Rachel Osterbach Defies Odds And Inspires The World

3 Comments / Athletes, Inside SOSC, Mission, Sports / lsundal@sosc.org

Rachel Osterbach\’s impact goes beyond athletics. She uses her platform to inspire and educate others, dispelling myths about people with Down Syndrome and working to eradicate the use of the ‘R-Word’.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Rachel Osterbach Defies Odds And Inspires The World Read More »

Down Syndrome Awareness Month: SOSC Parent Details Son’s Journey To Special Olympics

Leave a Comment / Athletes, Inside SOSC, Mission, Sports, Young Athletes / lsundal@sosc.org

Eight-year-old young athlete, Jorel\’s willingness to try and strong will to succeed are characteristics of a true champion. His mother, Maritza Alvarado shares how Special Olympics has impacted his life.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month: SOSC Parent Details Son’s Journey To Special Olympics Read More »

Michael & Russ Evans on the Rewards of Sports & Employment

9 Comments / Athletes, Bocce, Inside SOSC, Mission, Sports, Track and Field / lsundal@sosc.org

By Emily Moore Born in Petaluma California, Michael got involved with Special Olympics Southern California at the age of 5 when he was carried by a postal worker in what was then called the Post Office Torch Run (now the Law Enforcement Torch Run). Michael Evans is a 36-year-old Special Olympics Southern California athlete who

Michael & Russ Evans on the Rewards of Sports & Employment Read More »

The Athlete & Coach Bond

Leave a Comment / Athletes, Coach, Inside SOSC, Mission, Sports, Swimming, Volunteers / lsundal@sosc.org

by Christian Bood In the pool of life, everyone deserves a support system to keep them afloat. Someone to guide us through the water when situations get tough or simply cheer us on when we are splashing past the competition. Special Olympics Athlete Christina Principe and Coach Leslie Runnelstover have a unique bond that began

The Athlete & Coach Bond Read More »

Assemblymembers Grayson and Frazier Announce $6 Million in Funding Secured for Special Olympics California

3 Comments / Mission, News / lsundal@sosc.org

For Immediate Release Contact: Audrey Detmer, audrey.detmer@asm.ca.gov, (925) 876-7307 (Sacramento, CA) – Governor Gavin Newsom signed a budget trailer bill (AB 130, Committee on Budget) that included $6 million in funding for Special Olympics Northern and Special Olympics Southern California, which was a priority of Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) and Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Fairfield). “Through

Assemblymembers Grayson and Frazier Announce $6 Million in Funding Secured for Special Olympics California Read More »

Volunteer Week: A Passion for Basketball Leads to Lifelong Friends

3 Comments / Beyond Sports, Coach, Inside SOSC, Mission, Volunteers / lsundal@sosc.org

By Rachel Bialkin The pandemic has suspended many things in our lives, but one thing it couldn’t stop is Scott Norton’s passion for Special Olympics, his love for the athletes he coaches, and his determination. Since 1999, Scott Norton has volunteered as a basketball coach for Special Olympics Southern California in the Santa Clarita area.

Volunteer Week: A Passion for Basketball Leads to Lifelong Friends Read More »

Volunteer Week: Mom and Daughter Team Up to Spread Inclusion

Leave a Comment / Athletes, Beyond Sports, Inside SOSC, Mission, Volunteers / lsundal@sosc.org

By Melanie Barrios There is nothing Pam loves more than watching her daughter succeed in Special Olympics. Pam Anderson knows the importance of Special Olympics and the impact it is having on people with intellectual disabilities. For the past two decades, Pam has had a front-row seat watching her daughter, Debi, accomplish many things some

Volunteer Week: Mom and Daughter Team Up to Spread Inclusion Read More »

Colbert Williams: A Fierce Competitor and Passionate Vons Employee

Leave a Comment / Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions, Athletes, Basketball, Floor Hockey, Mission, Partners, Sports, Swimming, Track and Field, Volleyball / lsundal@sosc.org

By Rachel Bialkin Since 1988, Colbert Williams has been a passionate athlete and fierce competitor with Special Olympics Southern California. Colbert has participated in sports such as basketball, skiing, volleyball, swimming, track & field, and speed skating. His favorite sport to play is floor hockey! Colbert loves to participate in each sport because it keeps

Colbert Williams: A Fierce Competitor and Passionate Vons Employee Read More »

SOSC Creates Virtual Sports Leagues So Athletes Can Stay in the Game During the Pandemic

3 Comments / Basketball, Bocce, Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), Flag Football, News, Sports, Swimming, Track and Field / lsundal@sosc.org

Special Olympics Southern California launched Virtual Sports Leagues so athletes can stay active, socialize and participate on a team, and compete safely during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Athletes will have the chance to compete virtually with their team from March 29 through June 5. Learn more at sosc.org/VSL. Due to the pandemic and the potential

SOSC Creates Virtual Sports Leagues So Athletes Can Stay in the Game During the Pandemic Read More »