INSIDE SOSC: News and Notes From Summer Games – Day 1

Whew! Talk about a jam-packed day to kick off the 48th annual Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games!

Athletes, coaches, volunteers and a drove of Fans in the Stands rocked the Cal State Long Beach campus on Saturday. Here are some news, notes and quotes from the Games:

• The energy at Summer Games was infectious for everybody, from first-time volunteers to seasoned athletes competing. READ MORE

• Special Olympics Southern California announced during Opening Ceremonies that 70 athletes from the program were selected to compete at the 2018 USA Games on July 1-6 in Seattle. Among them, 17 athletes are in attendance and showcasing their talents at Summer Games.
• Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions – the title sponsor and official food supplier of Summer Games – had 150 workers arrive early to prepare and pack lunches for the 1,100 athletes, 400 coaches and 3,000 volunteers.

• More than 200 members of the law enforcement community representing agencies throughout Southern California showed up to attend Opening Ceremonies, give high-fives and cheer on the athletes.

• Some photos from Day 1 of the Games
• Coaches like Priscilla Zamora, a West San Bernardino coach for more than 20 years, says that Special Olympics Southern California has made her appreciate life more. Her 36-year-old daughter, Susie, is an athlete and her involvement led to volunteering. “It’s a great opportunity to make friends and support others,” Priscilla said.

MORE QUOTES

Inside the SOSC is a blog written by staff member Tracy McDannald. It is a more feature-style approach to looking inside what makes Special Olympics Southern California so unique, so special. It is meant to explore the people and their stories. One word at a time.