News
Stay informed with the latest news & press about Special Olympics Northern California.
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Meet the Santa Cruz Swimmer Who Rewrote the Record Book at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Just one year after returning to competitive swimming, Santa Cruz’s Jessa Melcer became a record-breaking Special Olympics USA Games champion. Her journey from local pools to the national podium showcases the determination, confidence and community support behind her success.
Meet the Santa Cruz Swimmer Who Rewrote the Record Book at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Just one year after returning to competitive swimming, Santa Cruz’s Jessa Melcer became a record-breaking Special Olympics USA Games champion. Her journey from local pools to the national podium showcases the determination, confidence and community support behind her success.
Valley Children’s Support Boosts Opportunities for Special Olympics Athletes
FRESNO, Calif. – A partnership between Valley Children’s Healthcare and Special Olympics Northern California is helping expand access to inclusive sports programs for athletes across the Central Valley.
Bay FC Supports Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games
On Friday, June 26, Bay FC supported the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games at Santa Clara University, the latest event in the Bay It Forward community impact program.
Placerville Golfers Win Special Olympics Bronze
Special Olympics medalists from the sport of golf stand on a podium during the national awards ceremony in Minnesota last month.
Community raises over $20,000 for Special Olympics, $5,000 came from one donor
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Central Valley chipped in to raise over $20,000 for the Northern California Special Olympics, and according to recipients, over 20% came from one generous donor.
Field Day at California High School
A pair of California High School students organized a Special Olympics NorCal Field Day in San Ramon, CA last month.
King Clancy Nominee Wennberg of Sharks Connects Platform to Causes Beyond Hockey
King Clancy nominee Wennberg of Sharks supports causes beyond hockey as 1 of 32 recognized for leadership and community contributions.
Hundreds Brave Cold for Special Olympics Northern California Polar Plunge in Alameda
ALAMEDA, Calif. (KRON) — Hundreds lined up on Saturday to brave the cold for a good cause at the Special Olympics Northern California Polar Plunge.
Santa Cruz Polar Plunge Raises Funds for Special Olympics Northern California Athletes
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. —
The annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics took place earlier today in Santa Cruz, raising thousands of dollars to support athletes with intellectual disabilities as they jumped into chilly waters for a great cause.
Eagles Host All Abilities Clinic During Super Bowl Week
Our athletes had a fun time at the Eagles Autism Foundation All Abilities Clinic this week as a part of #SuperBowlLX festivities in the Bay Area!
Athlete Ryan on Super Bowl Media Row
Athlete Leader Ryan spoke with 10+ media outlets from across the country during Super Bowl Week.
49ers Host Flag Football Scrimmage
Thank you to the 49ers & Dignity Health for hosting an action-packed flag football scrimmage in Santa Clara.
Students Take Part in NFL Play 60 Kids Day
Students join NFL Play 60 Kids Day, taking part in fun football-themed activities that get them moving and learning about staying active and healthy.
‘Badges with Buckets’ Effort Supports Special Olympics Northern California Athletes
(ROSEVILLE) — Local law enforcement officials teamed up with Special Olympics Northern California at the Roseville Galleria on Saturday to raise money for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics Athletes Spotlighted Ahead of Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame Induction Night
Special Olympics athletes are being honored as part of the event’s ongoing partnership with Special Olympics Northern California.
Sign-ups open for Special Olympics Polar Plunge, 5K run at Folsom Lake
GRANITE BAY — A splash of courage, a wave of creativity and a whole lot of heart will return to the shoreline in just a few weeks as registration is now underway for the 2026 Greater Sacramento Area Polar Plunge and Runs, benefiting Special Olympics Northern California.
Education Matters: FCSS Celebrates School Board Appreciation Month with Community Programs
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. – January is School Board Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the key role school board members play in supporting community programs, like the Special Olympics NorCal Unified Sports program.
Sharks Foundation and Special Olympics NorCal Host Unforgettable Floor Hockey Game
The San Jose Sharks joined the Special Olympics Northern California floor hockey athletes at the Santa Clara High School gymnasium for a riveting game. Organized by the Sharks Foundation, the game featured energy-filled highlights with Sharks Players.
Special Olympics NorCal in 49ers Cleats Campaign
Thirty-eight San Francisco 49ers players will participate in this year’s My Cause My Cleats initiative presented by Shoe Palace in support of various causes and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, 49ers coaches and staff will also take part in the league-wide campaign again this season.
Tahoe Polar Plunge Raises Money for Special Olympics Athletes
Special Olympics Northern California works with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office to raise money for athletic programs.
Fall Games and Guardian Games featured on KCRA 3
Special Olympics Northern California hosted the Guardian Games and Fall Games on Saturday, Nov. 8, at UC Davis. KCRA 3 profiled the event.
Raising Cane’s Hosted a Fundraiser for Special Olympics Northern California
Raising Cane’s hosted a fundraiser on October 22 at all 6 Sacramento restaurants to raise money for Special Olympics Northern California.
49ers Host Special Olympics Flag Football Game at Levi’s Stadium
The 49ers welcomed Special Olympics athletes for an unforgettable day of flag football, teamwork, and celebration bringing the spirit of inclusion and competition to the field.
Special Olympics NorCal Celebrates 30 Years with Regional Expansion, Appointment of Chief Development Officer Joshua Lachs
Special Olympics Northern California Celebrates 30 Years with Regional Expansion and Appointment of Chief Development Officer Joshua Lachs
Athlete Simon Selected to Represent Special Olympics NorCal at 2026 USA Games
Congratulations to Simon Keenan of the East Bay Sea Serpents, who has been selected to represent Northern California at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.
Sharks Foundation Announces 2025-26 Community Assist Grantees at SAP Center
At a recent San Jose Sharks hockey game, Special Olympics NorCal received the hockey equality grant supporting our 2026 floor hockey program.
Bike the Bridges Featured on KRON4 “Live in the Bay”
Special Olympics NorCal’s Laura Haney sat down to chat about the annual Bike the Bridges | Bands & Brews fall fundraising event.
Special Olympics NorCal Athletes Receive Super Gift from NFL Commissioner
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell & Jenna & Mara York of the 49ers presented athletes Patrick & Devon with tickets to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara in 2026.
