This year marks 30 years since Special Olympics Northern California began its journey to promote unity and empower children and adults with intellectual disabilities – both on and off the field. As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on what we’ve accomplished, the people who’ve made it possible, and what lies ahead.
The California chapter of Special Olympics was originally launched as a state-wide program in 1969. By 1995, the California chapter was large enough to divide into two chapters, Special Olympics Northern California and Special Olympics Southern California, to better serve the needs of their local communities.
See our History timeline for key milestones for Special Olympics
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate this special milestone with our athletes, partners, and the community at large,” said David Solo, President & CEO of Special Olympics Northern California. “Special Olympics is its own phenomenon. It’s more than just sports; it creates a family and friendships and a support system for athletes to be their best. Our program has a ripple effect through entire communities, impacting families, schools and students in the most profound and positive ways.”
“Alongside our 30-year track record delivering meaningful programs, all free of charge, we are also very proud to accelerate our organizational resources and align capabilities to support this growth. This year, we adopted a regionalization model and operate four offices throughout Northern California, allowing us to more fully support the local communities and use the power of sports as a driver to bring people of all abilities together,” he added.
Our Impact: Changing the Lives of Tens of Thousands of Families and Athletes
39K+
Program Participants
23K+
Volunteers
9.4K+
Coaches
500+
Schools
182K+
Students Impacted
1.3K+
Health Screenings
41 (out of 47)
Counties with Active Programs
The Heart of the Game: Profiles of Athletes and Volunteers
Behind every goal scored, game coached and event supported, there is a story. Meet some of the people who drive our mission forward. Stories like these are why we continue this work every day.
The Next 30 years: Our 30-Year Audacious Goal
It’s been an amazing 30 years … but we’re not done yet! In the next chapter, Special Olympics NorCal is focused on expanding access and growing engagement in every school and community through unified sports, education, health and leadership activities.
Be a Player with Us
Celebrate our 30th with us! Join us at our next event, sign up to coach or volunteer, or share your story or message with us on social media using #SONorCal30. You can also donate to support the future work.
Thank you for helping us turn vision into action. Here’s to 30 years of making a difference, together. Special isn’t what we are. It’s what we do.
Happy Birthday Special Olympics NorCal!
Watch the 30th anniversary messages from our athletes, staff and special guests!
30th Anniversary Athlete Art Project
As a part of our 30th celebration, we are featuring athlete artwork at this year’s Summer Games. We want to know – and see – what Special Olympics means to you. This could be your favorite sport, winning a medal, the friendships, your favorite moment or more! Athletes are encouraged Draw something about Special Olympics that is meaningful to you. A select number of submissions will be displayed at a gallery at Summer Games and during the Opening Ceremony and dance.
Did You Know?
Special Moments in NorCal History
1995
Special Olympics California officially divides into two chapters – Northern California and Southern California – to better serve local communities and expand outreach efforts.
1996
Special Olympics Northern California hosts its first Summer Games.
1997
Healthy Athletes becomes an official Special Olympics initiative, providing free health and wellness screenings and resources to athletes.
2007
Special Olympics Northern California launches the Schools Partnership Program, designed to promote unity in schools for students of all abilities.
2023
Special Olympics launches its first major consumer campaign, Do Something Special featuring NorCal athletes, which yielded more than one million media impressions, new athletes and volunteers to the organization, and many prestigious national advertising awards.
See our History timeline for key milestones for Special Olympics.
Athlete Spotlight and Stats
Meet athletes who have been part of the Special Olympics NorCal family for 30+ years!
Athlete: Jennifer Hall
City: San Jose
Playing since: 1992
Sports: Track & Field, Basketball, Tennis, Gymnastics, Soccer, Softball, Floor Hockey, Bowling, Swimming, Bocce
Favorite moment: Honored as a San Jose Sports Hall of Fame athlete and visited Washington D.C. to represent Special Olympics NorCal!
How has Special Olympics changed your life? Helps me be a better person and team player.
What advice do you have for other athletes starting Special Olympics? Be strong and it doesn’t matter if you win or lose. Just have fun!
What Does the Word Special Mean to you? Courage
Athlete: Jonathan Sparks
City: Elk Grove
Sports: Track & Field, Golf, Swimming, Bocce, Bowling
Playing Since: 1975
How has Special Olympics changed your life? It helped me to make friends, be an Athlete Leader of course, and help people in the world to understand inclusion.
What word best describes Special Olympics: Family
How did You hear about Special Olympics? I went out for PE and the coach was also a coach for Special Olympics and suggested I give it a try.
Favorite Moment: Being a Torch Bearer for the 2015 World Games.
What advice do you have for other athletes starting Special Olympics? Don’t be afraid to try new things.
Athlete: Lindsay Mibach
City: Sunnyvale
Sports: Basketball, Softball, Swimming, Floor Hockey, Bowling, Bocce, Soccer, Golf
How did you first hear about Special Olympics? My Special Ed teacher would train us to compete in local competitions.
Favorite Moment: I was the goalie on my hockey team. I stopped a puck by doing the splits with my legs! After that I had the nickname “Cool Ice” from my coach.
How has Special Olympics changed your life? I joined Special Olympics when I was just 8 years old, and I have had so many opportunities. I have done speaking engagements, met many famous people, traveled to Washington DC for Capitol Hill Day, and have been chosen to participate in many competitions. I have learned skills that have helped me to keep my job for more than 20 years. I have learned to have confidence in myself and be proud of my many accomplishments.
What advice do you have for other athletes starting Special Olympics? Don’t wait, Special Olympics has something to offer all year round. You will have a lot of fun and get to be with your friends!
What Does the Word Special Mean to you? Special means that I can do just about anything if I am just given a chance.
Athlete: Maurice Hollins
City: Sacramento
Sports: Basketball, Track & Field, Softball, Bowling, Bowling, Floor Hockey, Bocce, Soccer
Playing Since: 1993
How did you first hear about Special Olympics? Went to my first Basketball Tournament in Redding and got my first Special Olympics Medal—a Bronze.
Favorite Moment: Doing the Law Enforcement Torch Run
How has Special Olympics changed your life? Gives me a chance to be a good athlete.
What advice do you have for other athletes starting Special Olympics? Believe in yourself and you can achieve anything.
What Does the Word Special Mean to you? Making friends with my teammates and other athletes whether virtually or in-person. Special is the gift that you have to make it happen.
Athlete: Angela Page
City: Walnut Creek
Sports: Bocce, Track & Field, Golf, Swimming
How has Special Olympics changed your life? It’s helped me to be healthy and active, as well as be able to speak in front of others easier because of the Athlete Leadership program.
How did you first hear about Special Olympics? I heard about Special Olympics from a teacher. It gave me something to do outside of the home. After 30 years of participating in sports, and making friends that feel like family, I am also proud to now be a part of the Special Olympics staff as a development assistant.
What Does the Word Special Mean to you? Special means that me and my fellow teammates are included in the fun and games that others may take for granted. I’m an athlete.