Athlete Leader Angela Page has worn many hats for Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) in her 25+ years: athlete, coach, Athlete Leader, Health Messenger, fundraiser and more.
Angela lives in Contra Costa County and has competed in bocce (her favorite), track and field, golf, swimming and bowling. She is now a bowling coach and passes her knowledge along to other athletes.
She first got involved with Special Olympics when a teacher suggested that she give it a try; and she hasn’t looked back since. Angela’s favorite parts about Special Olympics are the fun times that she has with friends, and the support that she feels all around her.
“I love the party atmosphere and that it feels like a big extended family,” she said.
Along with her roles in sports, Angela has been an Athlete Leader since 2018 and serves as an advocate for Special Olympics and people with intellectual disabilities. She has given speeches to local universities and businesses, appeared in marketing videos and represented SONC in a variety of other ways.
“It’s worth the time to go through the Athlete Leadership Program classes,” she said. “You get to make new friends. And it helps you learn how to speak not only on your behalf, but on behalf of others.”
She recently participated in the SONC Health Messenger Training, which provides athletes with tools and training to spread healthy behaviors and educate healthcare professionals on the disparities faced by people with intellectual disabilities.
“I get to meet a lot of people,” she said. “I get to not only help the professionals who are trying to understand people with intellectual disabilities; but it also helps me to be more comfortable talking to those professionals.”
Angela is also a key fundraiser and volunteer for SONC and regularly participates in the San Francisco Polar Plunge; along with numerous Tip-A-Cops and other events throughout the year.
She is a prime example of the Special Olympics spirit; both in her accomplishments and her eagerness to give back to those around her.
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