Opening Ceremony

Stevens Stadium – Buck Shaw Field

Santa Clara University

Friday, June 27

7:00pm – 9:00pm

The Summer Games excitement begins Friday evening hosted by KRON4’s Kyla Grogan, as families, local celebrity icons, NorCal legislators, business leaders and community members come together to celebrate Special Olympics athletes’ perseverance and their achievement in earning a spot at Summer Games. Join us and enjoy an inspiring Parade of Athletes, motivating keynote speeches from Kerri Walsh Jennings & Ruthie Bolton, high-energy performance by Wonder Bread 5 that’s sure to get the crowd dancing, and the inspiring lighting-of-the-cauldron to open the Games. Opening Ceremony is FREE and open to the public. Come do something special with us!

Co-Emcee

Kyla Grogan, KRON4

Kyla Grogan, KRON4 meteorologist, began her career as a TV news reporter and anchor before finding her way to weather. She went on to join The Weather Channel, where she covered major events including Hurricanes Sandy and Isaac, as well as several significant tornado outbreaks. Her broadcast journey has taken her to CBS Philly, New York City, Los Angeles, and across NBC platforms including MSNBC.

Kyla’s connection to Special Olympics Northern California began when she volunteered to emcee the Summer Games, a role that quickly grew into something more. Today, she serves on the organization’s Board, hosts events, and even braves the chilly Polar Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics athletes. Her dedication to the athletes and mission of Special Olympics NorCal continues to grow—and so does her impact.

Co-Emcee

Bradley Margetts, Special Olympics Athlete

From Sacramento County, Bradley has been competing with Special Olympics since he was 8 years old and has participated in basketball, bocce, soccer and track & field. He is an Athlete Leader and Health Messenger and has spoken to numerous organizations, participated in panels with healthcare professionals, and is featured prominently in the Special Olympics NorCal “Do Something Special” campaign. Bradley served as the co-emcee for the 2024 Special Olympics NorCal Summer Games Opening Ceremony and is excited to host with his friend Kyla again!

Speaker

Kerri Walsh Jennings

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings is a legendary figure in beach volleyball, known not only for her dominant play on the sand but also for her off-court impact. After winning gold in Athens (2004), Beijing (2008), and London (2012)—plus a bronze in Rio (2016)—she co-founded the p1440 Foundation in 2018. Inspired by the idea of making the most of each of the 1,440 minutes in a day, the nonprofit empowers beach athletes at all levels through scholarships, junior development tours, mindfulness training and community outreach programs that build life skills alongside athletic excellence.

Speaker

Ruthie Bolton

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Ruthie Bolton is a trailblazing American basketball player known for her leadership, resilience and powerful presence on and off the court. A standout at Auburn University and a key player for the Sacramento Monarchs in the WNBA, Ruthie helped lead Team USA to gold in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. Beyond basketball, she is an author and motivational speaker, sharing her story and inspiring others through her work with the Ruthie Bolton Foundation, which empowers youth through education, leadership programs and community initiatives.

Entertainment

Wonder Bread 5

Wonder Bread 5 is like a group of neighborhood kids that stayed together throughout the years. Best pals who still play for the fun and thrill of it. With over-the-top performances that engage the audience and often make them part of the show, no two Wonder Bread 5 shows are the same. Performing a never-ending stream of new and up-to-date material, while always remembering the party anthems from their youth. A setlist from the Wonder Bread 5 will wind you down paths unimaginable to most bands. From the latest hits of this week to classics hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Wonder Bread 5 deliver rock and dance hits throughout their sets and keep the dance floor packed all night long.

Special Olympics NorCal

Law Enforcement Torch Run

The annual Torch Run spans the two weeks leading up to Summer Games and unites law enforcement, public safety personnel, and Special Olympics athletes as they carry the Flame of Hope — a powerful symbol of courage, acceptance, and unity. The torch travels through 38 counties across Northern California, engaging more than 4,000 law enforcement personnel from over 250 agencies and generating incredible visibility within local communities.

The Final Leg of the Torch Run culminates in a powerful moment at the Opening Ceremony with the lighting of the cauldron — a celebration that marks the official start of the Games and highlights the spirit of inclusion and determination.