“Inclusion Is Not a Thing.
It’s a Philosophy.”
This October, during National Bullying Prevention Month, Athlete Leader Kim Hing sits down with Dr. Rachel Heenan, California’s Director of Special Education. A former athlete and Special Olympics volunteer coach, Dr. Heenan shares what inclusion, belonging, and being truly “special” really means.
Five NorCal Schools. One Inclusive Standard.
Congratulations to Montgomery Jr/Sr High, Pittsburg High, Rosemont High, Roseville High, and Stoneman Elementary on earning National Banner School recognition, the highest honor for a Special Olympics Unified Champion School. Through Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole-school engagement, they’re making inclusion part of everyday school life.
Who We Are
There are many ways to be involved with Special Olympics Northern California. Find an upcoming fundraiser or special event near you!
What We Do
Special Olympics Northern California is dedicated to promoting inclusion and empowering children and adults with intellectual disabilities – both on and off the field.
Our Stories
Behind every goal scored, game coached and event supported, there is a story. Meet the people who drive our mission forward.
Upcoming Events
There are many ways to be involved with Special Olympics Northern California. Find an upcoming fundraiser or special event near you!
2026 Fall Games
The 2026 Fall Games is a championship-level event for Special Olympics NorCal and will feature more than 250 athletes will be competing in our yearly soccer championship with their teams or participating in individual skills competitions.
2026 Lake Tahoe Polar Plunge
Join our epic fundraising tradition at the Lake Tahoe Polar Plunge! Hop, skip or dip into Lake Tahoe for a great cause.
2027 San Mateo County Polar Plunge
Join the fun at the San Mateo County Polar Plunge! Dip into San Francisco Bay for a great cause.
2027 Trinity County Polar Plunge
Join the 2027 Trinity County Polar Plunge and make a splash for area athletes.
2027 Stanislaus County Polar Plunge
Jump in for athletes at the 2027 Stanislaus County Polar Plunge at the Patterson Aquatic Center.
2027 Santa Cruz Polar Plunge
Splash into the Pacific Ocean by the famous Beach Boardwalk at the 2027 Santa Cruz Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics NorCal athletes.
2027 Lake County Polar Plunge
Make a splash for inclusion in Lake County at the 2027 Polar Plunge.
2027 Tuolumne County Polar Plunge
Splash in for Special Olympics NorCal athletes at the 2027 Tuolumne County Polar Plunge at Don Pedro Lake.
2027 Shasta County Polar Plunge
Support local Special Olympics athletes at the Shasta County Polar Plunge at Oak Bottom Marina in Whiskeytown.
2027 Ukiah Polar Plunge
The Ukiah Polar Plunge is back! Join us for a chilly dip into chilly waters as we make a splash for cash for Special Olympics NorCal!
2027 Greater Sacramento Area Polar Plunge
Jump into Granite Bay at the Sacramento Polar Plunge! Kick off your day with a scenic 5K run or 1-mile walk, then cool down by taking the plunge.
2027 Fort Bragg Polar Plunge
Splash in for athletes at the 2027 Fort Bragg Polar Plunge! Do something special and make an impact for inclusion.
2027 Siskiyou County Polar Plunge
Sign up to plunge in Siskiyou County. Make a splash and an impact for Special Olympics NorCal athletes.
2027 Bay Area Polar Plunge
Splash into San Francisco Bay in Alameda at the Bay Area Polar Plunge. Start with an optional 5K along the water before jumping in to support athletes.
2027 Fresno Polar Plunge
Support Central Valley Special Olympics athletes at the 2027 Fresno Polar Plunge. Jump into Millerton Lake, have a blast, make an impact.
2027 Sonoma County Polar Plunge
Dip into the Pacific Ocean at Doran Beach in Bodega at the Sonoma County Polar Plunge. Have a blast while raising funds for athletes.
