In down economies, charity organizations tend to take the biggest hit—don’t tell Special Olympics SoCal, who just had their biggest and best Summer Games ever at Long Beach State.  The 41st annual Summer Games was bursting at the seams, with Kim Pine (SOSC’s Asst. VP, Communications & Marketing) saying Saturday was the biggest day she’d ever seen.  “It just seems like every year it gets a little bit bigger,” she said.

Bill Shumard, former Long Beach State athletic director and currently the President and CEO of SOSC, said, “Despite the economy, our sponsors were terrific, they were very engaged and involved.”  Law enforcement broke all previous records with $1.2 million in donations this year, while KTLA had a booth stocked with on-air personalities to sign autographs all weekend.  Vons donated over half a million dollars, and a 500-pound cupcake-cake—and of course, people were generous with their time, as always.

Among the more famous volunteers on campus over the weekend were Jerry West, Jered Weaver, Buddy Ryan, and Donald Sterling. 

At the Closing Ceremony, Shumard acknowledged the 13 SOSC athletes who are headed to the 2010 National Games this year, and he (along with SOSC founder Rafer Johnson) presented awards to three deserving individuals.  Ticky Gorin received the Volunteer of the Year award for her tireless efforts both in helping with the events, and in fundraising, and Vanessa Cid and Christine Arelanno were co-recipients of the Most Inspirational Athletes Award.

We’ll have more photos as we get them, but for now, we leave you with a few shots from the Pyramid and the Closing Ceremonies, and a hearty handshake for all the staff and volunteers who continue to make this such a wonderful event to attend and cover!

Bill Shumard

Rafer Johnson

Volunteer of the Year Ticky Gorin

Co-Inspirational Athlete of the Year Vanessa Cid

Co-Inspirational Athlete of the Year Christine Arelanno