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Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8 capped a fantastic week of football activity in the Bay Area, and a memorable year of partnering between Special Olympics Northern California, the San Francisco 49ers and the National Football League (NFL).

The 49ers and the NFL were gracious and giving with their support for Special Olympics NorCal athletes and programs throughout the 2025-2026 NFL season. 

By providing access to unique experiences and opportunities for athletes, the NFL and the 49ers created unforgettable moments that proved the unifying power of sports. 

A Special Super Bowl Week in the Bay Area

With the big game happening in Santa Clara, Super Bowl Week took over the San Francisco Bay Area. The league rolled out the red carpet all week long as part of the partnership between the NFL and Special Olympics International.  

Athletes had a number of amazing opportunities to get in on the action.

Special Olympics NorCal Athlete Leader Ryan was front and center during the festivities leading up to the game. Ryan joined New York Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips on Media Row for a series of interviews, speaking with more than 10 media outlets from across the country about Special Olympics NorCal’s health and fitness programs, the power of sports, and more.

Ryan also got to meet a few of his 49ers heroes and even walked away with a limited-edition jacket from Kristin Juszczyk’s Off Season clothing brand.

Kristin’s husband, 49ers’ fullback Kyle Juszczyk, earned Pro Bowl honors this season with his backfield mate, Christian McCaffrey, who took time during Super Bowl week to remind people to jump in to the 2026 Special Olympics NorCal Polar Plunge. 

Also during the week, athletes had a blast participating in the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation All Abilities Clinic and the NFL PLAY 60 Kids Day, taking part in fun football-themed activities that got them moving and learning about staying active and healthy.

Thanks to the generosity of the NFL, a group of Special Olympics NorCal athletes received truly special gifts: tickets to the game itself. At a 49ers game earlier this season, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Jenna & Mara York of the 49ers presented NorCal Athletes Devon and Patrick with their golden tickets.

A Season of Special Surprises

The 49ers became an official regional partner of Special Olympics NorCal in 2025. During the regular season, the 49ers went above and beyond in providing some truly memorable moments for athletes. 

In October, a group of SONorCal athletes had a sporting experience they’ll never forget: the chance to play a scrimmage flag football game at the 49ers’ training facility, while being coached by the players themselves.

The 49ers provided star treatment, welcoming athletes into the locker room, where they were greeted with customized jerseys and football gear. Niners stars including quarterback Brock Purdy and defensive end Nick Bosa cheered on athletes running through a tunnel of high-fives to the field. 

The pros coached our athletes through an action-packed game, drawing up the plays in the huddle, and leading celebrations after every big play.

It was an amazing day courtesy of the Niners and Dignity Health, who combined to do something special and memorable for athletes.

In November, the 49ers celebrated nonprofit organizations during the NFL’s annual My Cause My Cleats weekend, and Special Olympics NorCal was recognized by quarterback Mac Jones. Jones wore special cleats customized with SONorCal’s color and logos during their Monday Night Football game versus the Carolina Panthers on November 24. 

Our thanks to Mac Jones, the 49ers and the NFL for this special shoutout during the nationally-televised game!

An Ongoing 49ers – Special Olympics NorCal Partnership

The 49ers and Special Olympics Northern California collaboration extends beyond the football field.

In May 2025, a group of 49ers players including tight end George Kittle teamed up to compete in Bocce Bash, our annual spring fundraiser at Campo di Bocce in Los Gatos.

Always a festive event, Bocce Bash brings together teams of pro athletes and other business and community leaders for a fun night of bocce paired with Italian delicacies, whiskey tastings and more. 

This year, the Niners will be joined by players from the San Jose Earthquakes and Bay FC football club, adding some more levels of competitive intrigue to the event. Anyone can attend Bocce Bash – a fun time for a special cause. Get Bocce Bash tickets today!

Former 49ers players have played a big part in telling the SONorCal story, too. A number of players have sat down for interviews with Athlete Leaders for The Special Report, our sports talk series on YouTube. 

This past year former Niners Keena Turner and Steve Bono joined the ranks, along with past superstar guests including John Taylor, Bryant Young, Patrick Willis and even Joe Cool himself, four-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Joe Montana. 

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the 49ers and the NFL for always going the extra yard in doing something special for Special Olympics athletes.The Discovery All Stars Unified Flag Football team, based out of Sacramento, will be among the Team NorCal delegation heading to Minnesota this June to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.  

About Special Olympics Northern California:  

Special Olympics Northern California empowers children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports. Through the power of sport, we promote inclusion, acceptance, and the development of life skills, building stronger communities for one athlete at a time.  

The Discovery All Stars Unified Flag Football team, based out of Sacramento, will be among the Team NorCal delegation heading to Minnesota this June to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.  

“It means so much to me for this team to go,” said Head Coach Carl Gayle. “I played sports at all of the highest levels. And to be honest with you, doing this is going to be one of the most exciting things in my life.” 

Led by Coach Carl, the Discovery All Stars are comprised of six Special Olympics NorCal athletes, four Unified Partners and two coaches. Unified Sports pairs athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with teammates without IDD, creating unique bonds and friendships through the power of sports and teamwork.  

Unified Partner Tamarious described what being a partner means to him: 

“Really seeing the individuality of each and every person,” he said. “Building a relationship with them. Seeing them develop and go higher as a person… I actually fell in love with that. They started to become family.”  

 
Discovering A Family  

The word ‘family’ was echoed among many of the All Stars. The broader program ranges from skill-level athletes up to Level 3, which is the level of the USA Games Unified Flag Football squad. The All Stars began as an after-school program back in 2011 with just a handful of athletes in basketball and has grown to welcome dozens of participants who compete in multiple sports and divisions.  

“I first got involved because I’m the parent of an athlete,” said Ja, a Unified Partner for the All Stars. “Seeing the athletes out there, and having a little bit of an athletic background, I just wanted to get out there and share some of my knowledge. And it turned into this.”  

 
“We take pride in being a culture,” added athlete Marvin. “A family. A place we can call a home away from home.” 

The Road To Minnesota 

The Unified Flag Football team qualified for USA Games by earning gold at the Special Olympics NorCal Flag Football Regional in 2024 and reclaimed their No. 1 spot at the October 2025 competition.  Now looking ahead to June, the team is excited to challenge themselves against the best in the country and enjoy new experiences together. 

“I’m most excited for my players {athletes} to go, actually,” said Ja. “It’s the first time for a lot of them, and I just want to see them reach their full potential. And I’m so proud of them.” 

Rodney, a Special Olympics NorCal athlete who previously competed in track & field at the 2014 USA Games, is especially looking forward to going this time with his local teammates.  

“I love playing with everybody,” said Rodney. “So I’m glad that we’re all going as a family.” 

Asked what the team hopes to bring back from Minnesota, Rodney didn’t hesitate.  

“The gold,” he said. 

Marvin agreed and expanded on what he hopes for his team. 

“Also, the gold,” he said. “And the team as a whole can have a different kind of level of bonding. We’ll become more of a family. And see how we match up against the rest of the country.” 

The 2026 USA Games will take place from June 20-26 and will bring together more than 3,000 athletes from across the country to compete and share in the spirit of Special Olympics. Learn more about our Team NorCal delegation and follow their journey on the road to Minnesota!  

About Special Olympics Northern California:  

Special Olympics Northern California empowers children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports. Through the power of sport, we promote inclusion, acceptance, and the development of life skills, building stronger communities for one athlete at a time.