Opening Ceremony
Stevens Stadium – Buck Shaw Field
Santa Clara University
Friday, June 26
7:00pm – 8:45pm
Friday night. Cue the lights. And let’s go!
Special Olympics Northern California Athlete Jennifer “J-Lo” Hall to co-host, alongside Bay Area’s KRON4, as athletes, families, local icons, NorCal leaders, and the community come together to celebrate the journey to the 2026 Summer Games. Soak in the energy of the Parade of Athletes, be inspired by this year’s guest speaker – Olympic Silver Medalist, World Cup Bronze Medalist, & Santa Clara University’s own – Danielle Slaton, marvel at Futboleros’ freestyle magic, move & groove with Bloco do Sol SanJosé, and witness the cauldron ignite.
The Opening Ceremony is free and open to all – so come grab your front-row ticket to the moments that matter most and be part of something special.
Athlete Emcee
Jennifer “J-Lo” Hall, Special Olympics Athlete
Jennifer Hall of Santa Clara County has been participating with Special Olympics since 1992. She competes in basketball, track & field, bowling, soccer, flag football and softball. Jennifer is an Athlete Leader for Special Olympics and has presented at local businesses, schools, at the State Capitol and Washington D.C. as an advocate for people with disabilities. Jennifer works at Safeway, is married, loves to fundraiser and volunteer, is a member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Committee and was inducted into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. She goes by the nickname “J-Lo” because she loves to dance!
Featured Speaker
Danielle Slaton
Danielle Slaton is a former USA Women’s National Soccer Team player, Olympic Silver Medalist, World Cup Bronze Medalist, and Santa Clara University NCAA National Champion. She is passionate about using sports as a means for social change, is a co-founder of Bay FC, and an investor in LOVB San Francisco. Her dad was a 15-year coach with Special Olympics NorCal’s Team Motherlode.
Entertainment
Futboleros
Futboleros is a high-energy soccer entertainment group that blends freestyle tricks, choreography, and crowd interaction. Known as the “Harlem Globetrotters of soccer,” they perform at events world-wide while inspiring audiences through skill and creativity.
Entertainment
Bloco do Sol San Jose
Bloco do Sol San José is a San José–based percussion and dance ensemble dedicated to Brazilian samba. Founded in 2012, the group brings the energy and tradition of Rio’s escolas de samba to the Bay Area through performances, parades, and community-focused workshops.
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