Special Olympics Southern California

Special Olympics Southern California offers year-round sports, leadership, and health programs for Special Olympics athletes of all ages. The program’s upcoming sessions include the 2026 Orange County Golf Classic on October 12, 2026, and the 2026 Fall Games Championship on November 14–15, 2026.

Programs

• Sports — Special Olympics athletes of all ages · Year-round
• Leadership — Athletes · Year-round
• Health — Athletes · Year-round

At a glance

• Current session: 2026 Fall Games Championship (Nov 14–Nov 15, 2026)
• General schedule: Year-round sports, health, and leadership training programs.

About the provider

The program includes athlete leadership and health programs that run year-round. One athlete said that Special Olympics is "an extended family," and another said that favorite parts include competing together, having fun, and creating friendships that last a lifetime.

What families say

“It’s an extended family, and I'm much more understanding of those with various disabilities. I learn so much from everyone, how to be a leader and role model like my family and friends have been for me, and to be patient.” — Max Grasso

“My favorite part of Special Olympics is when everyone is coming together and competing together and having fun. And creating friendships that will last a lifetime. It is not about winning medals; it is also about having fun.” — Manasa Iyer

“As an athlete, I like competing in different sports where I can show my abilities rather than my disabilities. I also get to try sports that I normally would not have had the opportunity to do outside of Special Olympics. I have made many new friends both on and off the field.” — Brett Laza

Last updated October 4, 2026.