Homepage | Special Olympics Northern California

Special is Being Unapologetically Yourself

Five Olympic gold medals. Eleven World Championship titles. And one of the warmest humans who’s joined The Special Report. NorCal Athlete Leader Landon interviewed Missy Franklin at the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame induction to talk teammates, backstroke, and what it really means to be Special.

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May Is National Bike Month.
Ride With Us.

Join Bike The Bridges | Bands & Brews and pedal for a great cause! Every mile supports Special Olympics NorCal athletes.

Team NorCal is heading to the 2026 USA Games, and they’re counting on us. Your donation fuels the dream!

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Meet the Athlete Behind San Jose’s New Flag

A Special Olympics NorCal athlete’s design is now flying as the city’s Autism Awareness Flag. Here’s the story.

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Join the Journey: 2026 USA Games

The Road to Minnesota begins for 56 hand-selected NorCal athletes. Preview this unforgettable competition!

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Get in the Game

Join us for opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence, and strengthen connections with friends, family, and allies.

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Coaching Athletes into Champions

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SPECIAL ISN’T

WHAT WE ARE.

IT’S WHAT WE DO!

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Shop Our Store

Get your NorCal merchandise and show your pride!

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Who We Are

There are many ways to be involved with Special Olympics Northern California. Find an upcoming fundraiser or special event near you!

Athletes

Volunteers

Coaches

Supporters

Schools

What We Do

Special Olympics Northern California is dedicated to promoting unity and empowering children and adults with intellectual disabilities – both on and off the field.

Sports

Health & Wellness

Schools

Athlete Leadership

Our Stories

Behind every goal scored, game coached and event supported, there is a story. Meet the people who drive our mission forward.

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Upcoming Events

There are many ways to be involved with Special Olympics Northern California. Find an upcoming fundraiser or special event near you!

2026 Team NorCal USA Games

June 20

Team NorCal is headed to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Tune into the Games on ABC & ESPN’s network of channels for extensive coverage throughout the week.

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2026 Summer Games

June 26 @ 11:00 am

1,000+ athletes unite for competition, celebration, and community at the 2026 Summer Games

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2026 High Tech Challenge

September 14 @ 7:00 am

The High Tech Challenge is Special Olympics Northern California’s premier golf tournament and fundraiser, uniting business and community leaders. This exclusive event features play at a world-caliber course and a private networking lunch.

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2026 Unified Fore Joy ProAm

September 17 @ 4:00 pm

Join us for the first annual Unified Fore Joy ProAm for Special Olympics Northern California hosted at Topgolf Roseville!

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2026 Bike the Bridges | Bands & Brews

October 3 @ 7:30 am

Join us for the 17th Annual Bike the Bridges | Bands & Brews. The event includes four scenic ride options that pass over the Martinez and Carquinez Bridges. The fundraiser also features Bands & Brews with local breweries, food options and local bands providing live music at the post-ride party.

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