Special Olympics Southern California
Special Olympics Southern California, 1600 Forbes Way, Suite 200, Long Beach, CA 90810
About
Special Olympics Southern California offers seasonal sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The program includes specific activities such as Bowling Season, the Plane Pull, and the Summer Games Championship, along with other seasonal sports training and competitions. Athletes also have access to leadership training in addition to sports activities.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
Special Olympics Southern California was founded as part of the broader Special Olympics movement that began in 1968 under Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson founded the Western/California Regional Chapter in 1969, and the first annual Western Regional Special Olympics were held that same year at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The International Special Olympics were held for the first time in Southern California in 1972 at UCLA and Santa Monica City College. In 1986, law enforcement officers from the Los Angeles Police Department joined with California Special Olympics in the first Law Enforcement Torch Run for California Special Olympics. In 1995, California Special Olympics divided into two chapters: Southern California and Northern California.
The mission of Special Olympics Southern California is to provide seasonal sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. The vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion, and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. The program offers 12 sports across 4 seasons and serves nearly 25,000 athletes in community and school-based programs in 11 counties. Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills. Keeping the athletes healthy so they can compete is a key goal, and athletes have opportunities to improve their overall health and wellness and to gain leadership skills, including leadership training that empowers athletes to spread acceptance and inclusion and live more independent lives.
These programs are supported by more than 50 employees, thousands of volunteers, Special Olympics Southern California’s partners and donors, and the broader community. The organization is committed to building relationships between athletes and communities and supports opportunities for all participants to connect in meaningful ways. Special Olympics Southern California has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, based on sound fiscal management practices and a commitment to accountability and transparency. For every $1 raised on behalf of the athletes, 80 cents goes directly to program costs, and the organization states it is committed to responsible stewardship and high standards.
Athlete testimonials describe their experiences with the program. Special Olympics athlete Jayson Warsuma says, “It’s the people and the coaches. It’s everybody that’s involved in Special Olympics who make it so bright and colorful.” Athlete Debi Anderson shares, “Before I was a Special Olympics athlete, I wasn't involved with sports. I was just me. But now I can call myself a Special Olympics athlete and Global Messenger and I can do almost anything.” Athlete Paul Hoffman says, “We just want to be accepted just like everyone else. Give us a chance, and we can prove that we can make a difference in our lives and in other people’s lives.”
Last updated July 4, 2026.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
Special Olympics Southern California was founded as part of the broader Special Olympics movement that began in 1968 under Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson founded the Western/California Regional Chapter in 1969, and the first annual Western Regional Special Olympics were held that same year at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The International Special Olympics were held for the first time in Southern California in 1972 at UCLA and Santa Monica City College. In 1986, law enforcement officers from the Los Angeles Police Department joined with California Special Olympics in the first Law Enforcement Torch Run for California Special Olympics. In 1995, California Special Olympics divided into two chapters: Southern California and Northern California.
The mission of Special Olympics Southern California is to provide seasonal sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. The vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion, and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. The program offers 12 sports across 4 seasons and serves nearly 25,000 athletes in community and school-based programs in 11 counties. Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills. Keeping the athletes healthy so they can compete is a key goal, and athletes have opportunities to improve their overall health and wellness and to gain leadership skills, including leadership training that empowers athletes to spread acceptance and inclusion and live more independent lives.
These programs are supported by more than 50 employees, thousands of volunteers, Special Olympics Southern California’s partners and donors, and the broader community. The organization is committed to building relationships between athletes and communities and supports opportunities for all participants to connect in meaningful ways. Special Olympics Southern California has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, based on sound fiscal management practices and a commitment to accountability and transparency. For every $1 raised on behalf of the athletes, 80 cents goes directly to program costs, and the organization states it is committed to responsible stewardship and high standards.
Athlete testimonials describe their experiences with the program. Special Olympics athlete Jayson Warsuma says, “It’s the people and the coaches. It’s everybody that’s involved in Special Olympics who make it so bright and colorful.” Athlete Debi Anderson shares, “Before I was a Special Olympics athlete, I wasn't involved with sports. I was just me. But now I can call myself a Special Olympics athlete and Global Messenger and I can do almost anything.” Athlete Paul Hoffman says, “We just want to be accepted just like everyone else. Give us a chance, and we can prove that we can make a difference in our lives and in other people’s lives.”
Last updated July 4, 2026.
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