The Special Olympics, founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968, is an organization that serves millions of athletes in over 190 countries, promoting inclusivity, empowerment and community engagement. Here in the North State, the Special Olympics of Northern California (SONC) continues this legacy by offering a diverse range of sports and events tailored to the abilities and interests of athletes in our region. Along with the sports programs, SONC encourages overall wellness by distributing information and resources on preventative care and maintaining healthy habits.
Stephen Bell, the area director for the Shasta County chapter of SONC, became involved with the Special Olympics three years ago when looking for wellness-focused programs for his son, Bradley. “I wanted to focus on his health and get him out more into the community and society and the Special Olympics provided the forum for both of those,” he says. What they found was not just a sports program but a supportive community that has allowed Bradley and his fellow athletes to grow their skills, build lasting friendships and be accepted for who they are.
Athletes of all abilities enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and build their skills through participation in Special Olympics of Northern California.
Special Olympics participants are thriving and building connections
Christine Walls, Jim Putnam and Kristen Gibson all have adult children who have been involved with Special Olympics for several years and they all share the same sentiment that the program is an amazing outlet for their kids. “It fills my bucket,” Jim says about participating in SONC with his daughter Laura. “It’s so much fun, and it’s so rewarding to see new athletes improve in their skills.”
Isolation is always a risk for families and caregivers of children with disabilities, but Christine and Kristin both described building strong connections with other families while being involved with SONC. Christine says she and her son Ashton “have met a lot of great people” along the way who have become like family. Kristin explained how SONC has allowed her to meet other families that have children or loved ones with Down syndrome, like her son, Logan, and “connect with others who are going through the same issues.”
Many athletes involved with SONC are residents of local group homes for disabled adults. Darlene Emerton, owner of Aaron’s Home in Redding, says the program is an excellent way for her residents to stay physically active. She also emphasizes that Special Olympics takes athletes of all abilities. “Even if they’ve never played before, they can learn. They just come in and practice skills,” she says.
Spreading inclusion throughout the community
Stephen says one of his primary goals for the program is “to get back out into the community.” He’s working on partnering with local schools and businesses to encourage and facilitate inclusion “because not only are we asking for the support, but we want to support our community as well,” he remarked.
SONC puts on several successful fundraisers every year and Stephen says they have had a “great reception from the community wanting to help.” He is grateful to Anderson Union High School district and organizations like the Elks Lodge for allowing them to use their space for basketball and bocce tournaments. Spring and summer events like the Pro-Am Golf Tournament and the Law Enforcement Torch Run have also received a great response from the community.
More recently, SONC has partnered with Shasta College to hold softball practice on their field, with plans to add more sports and activities on the campus. “We’re hoping to be fully incorporated and immersed in Shasta College by 2025 and doing wonderful things,” says Stephen.
How to get involved with the Special Olympics
SONC accepts athletes ages eight and up and there is no cost to participate. They offer different sports programs throughout the year, including basketball, golf, bocce, bowling and softball. The program is also actively seeking volunteers. For more information or to get involved, visit Special Olympics in Northern California at sonc.org and look for your area program.
Posted in: Special Needs, Uniquely Us
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