Be inspired by athletic courage, strength, and sportsmanship like never before at Special Olympics Southern California’s Summer Games on June 9 and 10 at California State University, Long Beach.
Summer Games, SOSC’s signature competition of the year, will feature 1,100 athletes from San Luis Obispo County to San Diego County. The athletes will compete in six sports championships – aquatics, athletics (track & field), basketball, bocce, golf, and gymnastics.
More than 6,000 people will attend the Games to cheer on the athletes. Johnny Knoxville, from the Ringer and Jackass; Mike Catherwood, from KROQ’s Loveline and Dancing with the Stars Season 12; Austin Anderson, singer, songwriter, and actor; and many more celebrities will be attending. The Games are open to the public, and admission is free.
“Summer Games is unlike any other sporting event,” said Bill Shumard, President and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “Our athletes train year-round just like any other athlete, but competing means more than just winning a medal to them. It’s about building friendships, improving their health, and being proud of their abilities.”
The 43rd annual Summer Games begin at 9:45am on Saturday with the Opening Ceremony. The ceremony features the Parade of Athletes and the lighting of the cauldron, which signifies the official start of the Games and concludes the Law Enforcement Torch Run’s two week relay escorting the Flame of Hope® across Southern California.
Competitions will follow the ceremony, starting at 11:00am and ending at 5:00pm and will resume on Sunday from 9:00am to 3:00pm Gold, silver, and bronze medals and ribbons will be presented after competitions at each sports venue.
Summer Games will feature more than just competitions. On Saturday at 11:30am, Lisa Fernandez, three-time Olympic softball gold medalist, will share words of wisdom at the Rafer Johnson Breakfast with Champions. In addition, long-time Special Olympics supporters Leo and Ivy Chu will be honored with the “Rafer Johnson Humanitarian Award” for their commitment to those in need and for enriching the lives of Special Olympics athletes. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online at www.sosc.org/bwc.
After hearing one Olympian speak, people can head to the Honored Guest Pavilion to meet basketball legend Ann Meyers Drysdale, an Olympic gold medalist and author of the book, You Let Some GIRL Beat You? Ann will sign autographs on Sunday from 9:30am-11:00am.
To keep the athletes prepared for their training and competitions, free health screenings are available at Healthy Athletes Village on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. At Healthy Athletes, volunteer healthcare professionals and students provide audiology, physical therapy, podiatry, nutrition, and optometry screenings.
Athletes and spectators can unwind after their competitions by visiting Expo Park on Saturday and Sunday. Expo Park will feature live entertainment, sponsor-run booths with interactive games, a souvenir store, community and law enforcement exhibits, and more fun.
The games will conclude with a Closing Ceremony at 3:00pm on Sunday.
For more information about Summer Games, visit www.sosc.org/summergames or contact us at 562-354-2600.