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SONC Honors 2019 Volunteers of the Year

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Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) is proud to recognize an outstanding group of individuals and corporations as the 2019 Volunteers of the Year. The Volunteers of the Year were selected after a lengthy nomination process and exemplify the passion, dedication and love of the more than 28,000 volunteers who support SONC annually. SONC honored the 2019 Volunteers of the Year during a live Awards Show streamed online on October 18, 2020.

Congratulations and thank you to the 2019 Volunteers of the Year!

Jack Nagel

Coach of the Year:

Jack Nagle, Alameda County
Role: Basketball and Soccer Coach

From his nominations:
“Jack welcomed me in as a coach and fostered a community among all of the volunteers, which extended to the athletes and families, creating a network that supported the teams at weekly practices and events. People came to cheer athletes on, teams were fielded across skill levels, and everyone thrived on the energy. Jack deserves all of the credit for building this culture for Team Oakland.”

Healthy Athletes Volunteer of the Year:

Beth Lannon, Ed.D., Contra Costa County
Role: Clinical Director, Healthy Hearing Program

From her nominations:
“Beth has put a tremendous amount of time and dedication in to the Healthy Athletes program, and has made appearances on SONC’s behalf to medical students. She is also an important advocate for the program as a Global Clinical Advisor for Special Olympics International.”

Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Volunteer of the Year:

Cristal Sanchez, Monterey County
Role: LETR Executive Committee Member, Fundraiser, Event Organizer

From her nominations:

“Cristal has been on the LETR Executive Committee for the last five years, and has coordinated events in Monterey County for several years, including the Torch Run. She created the Battle of Badges event in 2019, has been a fundraiser, and participated in Summer Games and as team captain at the Santa Cruz Polar Plunge. Her involvement has shown her to be compassionate and empathetic to others.”

Philanthropy Corporate Partner of the Year:

Cohesity, Inc., San Francisco County

From SONC President & CEO David Solo:

“We’re so grateful to foster long-term relationships with our corporate partners and can’t thank Cohesity enough for their dedication and support. Cohesity believes in our mission to enrich the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through sports, and is playing an active role to build a more inclusive world. We are proud to recognize Cohesity as our 2019 Corporate Philanthropy Volunteer of the Year and look forward to growing the partnership in the future.”

Rookie Volunteer of the Year:

Christina Bacci, Marin County
Role: Coach

From her nominations:
“Christina deserves acknowledgement for not only her commitment to Special Olympics, but for striving to learn and be the best that she can be for our athletes. We are all proud to have her involved in our Special Olympics Family.”

Schools Partnership Program Volunteer of the Year:

Joey Stein, El Dorado County
Role: Teacher, El Dorado County Office of Education

From his nominations:
“It’s very apparent at any El Dorado County competition, from elementary soccer to high school track and field, that the students are teammates and friends, both on and off the field, and a lot of that is thanks to Joey for educating everyone involved about the true spirit of Unified Sports.”

Sports Volunteer of the Year:

Michele Fogal, Fresno County
Role: Games Management Team, Assistant Games Director

From her nominations:
“Michele travels every year to assist in the Soccer Regional Competition and SONC Summer Games and is always willing to travel when needed. Her dedication to the athletes is truly amazing and very much appreciated. Michele is always the first to step up and volunteer when an opportunity is presented.”

Youth Volunteer of the Year:

Maxwell Green, San Joaquin County
Role: Coach

From his nominations:
“In all of his endeavors, Max shows leadership qualities, and encourages his volunteers and athletes to be leaders, too. He is quick to praise effort and is generous with his time. Families and athletes alike know they could count on Max to help them get the job done.”

Congrats to all of the 2019 Nominees:

Alexis Wyscarver, Amy Brown, Anthony Hernandez, Arushi Nety, Beverly Olson, Brian Wentzel, Bryan Enloe, Cameron Tsang, Captain Aaron Konrad, Carl Gayle, Carol Waldron, Carole Farris, Cathi Aurich, Cecilia Yarra, Charlotte Prendergast, Chloe Brause, Chris Gonzales, Chris Weber, Christina Bacci, Christine Costamagna, Cindy Verrill, Colleen Rouleau, Curtis Young, Cynthia Jones, Danny Rodrigues, Darlene Emerton, Debbie Donnahoe, Dewayne Schendel, Dirk Dino, Donna Hepp, Duane McBride, Dublin CHP Senior Volunteers, Edward Reister, Elane Galvan, Emma Bustamante, Eric Geibel, Frank Baldan, Gabe Farias, Greg Keenan, Greg McKinney, Harvey Rouleau IV, Jack Prichard, Jackie Wheeler, Jamie Steingraf, Jenn Wilson, Joanne Larkin, Joe Bazor, Julie Casena, Kathleen Barber, Kayla Strelo, Leah Applegarth, Leslie Francavilla, Lisa Tomasello, Loralie Carillo, Malik Rodriquez, Marianna Warmee, Mary Jean Brink, Maxwell Green, Michele Fogal, Molly Delnero, Monique Mingione, Pamela Bailey Espinoza, Rithvik Dirisala, Robert Papp, Ron Melvin, Saathvik Dirisala, Sally Lok, Sandra Benge, Sharon Scudero, Shirley Surber, Sterling Bobbitt, Steve Highland, Suzanne Barlow, Suzanne Lerner, Suzy Andrade, Tim Dutra, Tim O’Brien, Tom Novello, Tracy Rivkin

Become a volunteer

Exclusive Musical Event with Cohesity & Pure Storage

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Sing along with Disney’s “Frozen” and “The Lion King” stars!

Join our Sing-Along on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 5:30 p.m. PT! We are co-hosting a free musical night of fun for the whole family. Jonathan Groff (“Frozen” voice of Kristoff, & “Hamilton” Playing King George in the Broadway production) together with JD McCrary (“Lion King”, voice of Young Simba) will lead everyone during this memorable event.

Special Olympics Northern California partnered with Cohesity and Pure Storage to bring you this evening of entertainment. Thank you, Cohesity and PureStorage, for supporting Special Olympics Northern California.

When registering, please use “SONC” for your company and title.

Join the Sing-Along

Urge Elected Officials to Include Special Olympics in the CA State Budget

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To our supportive community –

More than 64,000 Californians with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at risk of losing essential health, wellness, and educational programming provided by Special Olympics California.  

For the first time since 2016, Special Olympics California was omitted from the California State Budget—but it is not too late to change that. While the California legislature and Governor Newsom likely never intended to cut Special Olympics from the budget, our community now faces additional COVID-19 challenges.   

Californians with intellectual disabilities need Special Olympics now more than ever. Throughout the global pandemic, Special Olympics California continues to support our vulnerable population through inclusive virtual sports, health, fitness, social, and education programs. Special Olympics California needs ongoing State of California funding in 2021 to deliver these critical programs and services to our ID Community.  

Will California’s budget reflect your values?  

We believe Californians deeply care about and value people with ID. Special Olympics California is ready to continue our legacy of service.  

During the week of August 24, 2020, our legislatures will convene to discuss revisions to the 2020-2021 State Budget. It is critical that you ask Governor Newsom and your elected representatives to include Special Olympics California in the State of California Budget.  

Please Sign our Petition (www.californiaspecialolympics.org), call Governor Newsom at 916-445-2841, and share your voice using #FundSpecialOlympics.  

Sincerely, 

David Solo, President & CEO of Special Olympics Northern California  

Bill Shumard, President & CEO of Special Olympics Southern California 

Dustin Plunkett, Special Olympics California Athlete & Ambassador

SONC Teams Up with BODYARMOR for Summer Promotion

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Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) has partnered with BODYARMOR, Raley’s and Sacramento Republic FC for a campaign that will encourage athlete health while raising funds and awareness for local programs.

With every purchase of BODYARMOR Sports Drink, LYTE, and SportWater at Raley’s, Bel Air and Nob Hill Foods in July and August, BODYARMOR will donate 5 cents to SONC up to $10,000. 

“At BODYARMOR, we are focused on transforming sports hydration and bringing better-for-you products to consumers in the community,” said Drew Moench, commercial manager for BODYARMOR. “We felt that this was the perfect opportunity to partner with Special Olympics to give back through the support of our local retail partner, Raley’s. BODYARMOR LYTE is a low-calorie sports drink alternative that is naturally sweetened, naturally flavored and has no added sugar. So this partnership really aligns across the SONC Healthy Athletes Program.”

Along with the in-store giveback campaign, BODYARMOR and the Sacramento Republic FC have teamed with an online SWEEPSTAKES that awards one weekly winner a $100 Raley’s gift card plus a month’s supply of BODYARMOR for their family. For info and rules, please visit:  www.sacrepublicfc.com/drinkbodyarmor.

“Sacramento Republic FC has been a great partner to help bring this all together with us and help to reach out to the Sacramento community,” said Moench.

The BODYARMOR giveback will run through the end of August at all Northern California Raley’s, Bel Air and Nob Hill locations. More information is available at www.SONC.org/bodyarmor.

“Special Olympics Northern California is grateful for the support of BODYARMOR, Raley’s and Sacramento Republic FC in our communities,” said David Solo, president and CEO of SONC. “This promotion raises funds and awareness for our ongoing programs while also encouraging healthy lifestyle choices for our athletes and families.”

“We are really supportive and appreciative of everything that Special Olympics does for the athletes; and everything that they’ve done virtually,” said Moench. “We appreciate partnering with Special Olympics to make a difference in our community.”

Athletes Stay Active & Connected Through Virtual Programs

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Athlete Maurice of Sacramento has been involved with Special Olympics for more than 25 years and has participated in floor hockey, soccer, basketball, track & field, softball, and bowling.

“My favorite part about Special Olympics is getting to participate in the sports that I love,” said Maurice. “And meet new people. And no matter what happens, have fun doing it.”

Like all athletes and supporters, Maurice was disappointed when in-person events were suspended earlier this year due to COVID-19. But his enthusiasm and attitude remain strong.

Maurice has been an active part in all of Special Olympics Northern California’s (SONC) virtual programming, including live Health & Fitness @ Home classes, Summer Games @ Home, and Fitness Week. He helped lead an interactive workout with the San Francisco 49ers, featuring 49ers offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill and mascot Sourdough Sam, and is a regular contributor to the Health & Fitness @ Home Facebook page by sharing his workouts, healthy meals and motivational messages.

“It’s been quite an experience,” said Maurice. “I would encourage people – whether you’re an athlete or anyone else – to log on to see what it’s all about. It’s a great opportunity to connect with people and learn how to stay healthy.”

Along with Special Olympics Athlete Jordan, Maurice also participated in a Special Olympics North America Health Messenger Training in April and learned about healthy habits and how to motivate others to live healthy lives.

Maurice is one of hundreds of athletes who have participated in SONC @ Home programs to stay active and connected during these tough times. While we cannot be on the field together, the spirit of Special Olympics continues on through virtual programs, personal relationships and the shared inspiration of SONC athletes.

Learn more about Health & Fitness @ Home, including how to log in for daily Zoom classes, and stay tuned for more exciting programming coming soon.

Special Olympics CA Not Included in Initial State Budget; California Voters Push for Inclusion

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California voters are urging their elected officials to include Special Olympics California in the revised state budget during the COVID-19 crisis. Special Olympics California was notably missing from the initial budget, but voters are pushing for inclusion in a last effort to ensure state funding for over 64,000 people with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics California allocates 100 percent of the State of California funding to direct program costs. This critical funding enables Special Olympics California to continue to provide virtual programming, distance education, and inclusive online communities for our athletes and communities throughout California during the pandemic.

“It is unfortunate that the state budget did not include Special Olympics or all the entities that include the special needs community,” said Laneishae Myles, a Special Olympics CA parent and volunteer coach. “Special Olympics’ activities give the athletes the opportunity to socialize with peers and have confidence in themselves. Special Olympics depends on the help of others/government to be able to give the special needs community activities to do throughout the year, just as many typical developing children/adults have as well.”

To contact your elected officials, visit www.californiaspecialolympics.org. Once there, you will find an already written email you can send directly through the site to your elected officials. The letter also includes a place where you can add in personal story.

Why Special Olympics CA Needs State Funding

Since 2016, Special Olympics California and the State of California have partnered to deliver essential wellness and fitness programs to our most vulnerable populations. Over 64,300 California residents throughout all 58 California counties rely on free, year-round Special Olympics programs. The programs impact our communities by helping improve health, wellness, and independence among athletes with intellectual disabilities, while also promoting acceptance and inclusion.

“Through Special Olympics, I have developed good self-esteem, gained confidence and high expectation of myself, learned to be proud of my accomplishments, and learned that I can do anything if I am given the opportunity to try,” said Stephanie C., a Special Olympics California athlete.

COVID-19 Health Crisis and Economic Downturn

As a direct result of the COVID-19 health crisis and the economic downturn, Special Olympics will experience a substantial revenue reduction in 2020-2021. Individual contributions, corporate donations, and endowment revenue have dramatically decreased. Dozens of fundraising events throughout California were cancelled due to COVID-19 health concerns. As a result, Special Olympics California has lost over $1 million in needed revenue.

“Our ability to effectively serve athletes and the intellectual disabilities community will largely be determined by the financial support and partnership with the State of California,” said Special Olympics California Presidents and CEOs Bill Shumard and David Solo. “Without continued funding from the state, we would need to identify alternative revenue options to support the athletes that we serve in California. We need our elected officials to prioritize the essential needs of our athletes, especially during this devastating global pandemic.”

Special Olympics CA needs your help

Although Special Olympics was not included in the initial state budget, it’s not too late to be included in the revised budget. Please ask your elected officials to continue to fund Special Olympics California and their COVID-19 programs. This is the last chance to receive state funding that will help change the lives of 64,300 people with intellectual disabilities through wellness and sports programming.

Please click here to sign the petition and let your elected officials know you support the athletes who rely on Special Olympics California. It only takes a couple of minutes to make a difference in the lives of many.

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