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 »
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
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 »
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 »
By Zach Fidel Special Olympics Southern California athletes don’t just get the opportunity to compete in various sporting events, they also get the chance make a lasting impact within the organization. Some even have traveled to places they have never dreamed about going. Charles Martindale, the San Diego Athlete Input Council Vice President, is an
Special Olympics San Diego athlete Sophie Demos sees value in athlete-led council participation. After all, who better than the athletes served to give direct feedback. She is one of 12 members on Special Olympics San Diego’s Athlete Input Council. “When the [athletes] have input, we help make it better and bigger for Special Olympics,” Sophie
INSIDE SOSC: Athlete Leaders \’Spread Special Olympics Power\’ Read More »
By Andrew Higa The impact Special Olympics Southern California has had on Monti Peterson can be seen in many instances of his life. He\’s had the opportunity to speak in front of the likes of Mattel and Toyota employees, as well as volunteer at a nearby VA hospital over the years. It\’s all thanks to
By Tracy McDannald Rafer Johnson isn’t one to beat his chest and flash his Olympic gold medal. It would be years before his own children learned of his mainstream success. Yet, the Special Olympics Southern California founder has many friends and admirers, in addition to family, who will go to bat for him and attempt
Celebrating Rafer Johnson: An Immeasurable Impact Read More »
By Tracy McDannald Rafer Johnson’s gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Rome Olympics put him in a different stratosphere at home in the U.S. and abroad. He drew interest from the Los Angeles Rams, who drafted him in the 28th round in 1959, despite not playing a single down of college football. Hollywood
Celebrating Rafer Johnson: UCLA\’s \’Most Prestigious\’ Living Legend Read More »
www.sosctest.com/ previously highlighted Rafer Johnson’s journey to get to the 1960 Rome Olympics and his place in history as the U.S. flagbearer during the Opening Ceremonies. Now, we take you through his gold-medal performance in the decathlon and the bond he shared with fellow competitor C.K. Yang. By Tracy McDannald Rafer Johnson would be the
Celebrating Rafer Johnson: An Olympic Decathlon for the Ages Read More »
Bart Simpson hopes you enjoy the new website!