Special Olympics Northern California kicked off 2024 with an event in Sacramento on Jan. 23, highlighting their 2023 fundraising achievements.
The impactful mission, inclusive community efforts, and the significant milestones of Special Olympics in the past year.
Special Olympics Northern California’s mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Their commitment to creating an inclusive community is evident in the connections, healthy lifestyles, and success stories they foster.
All programs are offered free of charge, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone.
Five decades of empowerment
Five decades of empowerment emphasizes the enduring significance of Special Olympics since its founding in 1968.
Through sports, individuals with intellectual disabilities discover strengths, abilities, and success, inspiring acceptance and inclusion in communities worldwide.
Highlighting the global impact, the organization’s goal of reaching 200 million people with intellectual disabilities through various initiatives, including trainings, competitions, school programs, health screenings, and fundraising events.
Special Olympics encourages collaboration among families, communities, leaders, businesses, and celebrities to change attitudes and support athletes.
Make an Impact
“Make an Impact” emphasizes the financial aspect, stating that $500 provides one athlete free access to Special Olympics NorCal opportunities for a year. The notable statistic of 91 cents of every dollar going directly to athlete programs adds transparency and credibility.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) impact and the “2023 top ten in Northern California” contributions showcase the actual support received. Also, “2023 inclusion at a glance” provides a snapshot of the impact in Northern California, covering the number of individuals served, Unified Sports participation, annual competitions, school programs, and Healthy Athletes screenings.
2023 Top 10 Northern California CDCR fundraisers
- Correctional Training Facility $58,742
- Valley State Prison $30,113
- Division of Adult Institutions $13,770
- California Health Care Facility $10,961
- Avenal State Prison $6,865
- Pleasant Valley State Prison $5,893
- California State Prison, Sacramento $5,811
- Sierra Conservation Center $5,184
- California Medical Facility $4,334
- Central California Women’s Facility $3,734
2023 inclusion at a glance’ in Northern California
- Individuals served: 19,500
- Unified sports: 12,300
- Competitions: 11 sports offered annually, 250 competitions
- School programs: 133,602 students
- Healthy athletes: 1,395 athletes screened, 713 trained professionals.
Special Olympics Northern California’s 2023 achievements reflect their unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities. As we celebrate their milestones, CDCR and CCHCS will continue supporting their mission of creating an inclusive and accepting world through the joy of sports.
What’s next
2024 will be filled with events supporting Special Olympics Northern California. Among them, the Law Enforcement Torch Run unites agencies for the Summer Games, while Tip-A-Cop events add excitement.
Special Olympics in 2024 kicks off with a Polar Plunge splash, as volunteers dive into icy waters for a meaningful cause.
Gear up for the Polar Plunge 2024. Registration is now open. This event invites you to jump in, dip in and out, or even stay dry while enjoying the lively atmosphere. Join friends, teammates, coworkers, and family to support Special Olympics Northern California. With fundraising incentives, festivities, and more, there’s an option for everyone.
Your participation directly funds year-round programs for over 17,000 athletes, contributing to an inclusive community where connections flourish, healthy lifestyles are nurtured, success is achieved, and the joy of sports is experienced.
Visit www.sonc.org/plunge/ to find information.
Register for one of the nine Polar Plunge events across Northern California:
- Greater Sacramento Polar Plunge & 5K Trail Run: February 10 – Browns Ravine
- San Francisco 5k/10k and Polar Plunge: February 24 – Aquatic Park
- Siskiyou County: February 24 – Lake Shastina Community Center
- Tuolumne County: February 24 – Lake Tulloch South Shore
- Lake County: March 2 – Buckingham Golf Course Club House
- Santa Cruz: March 2 – Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Fort Bragg: March 2 – Dolphin Isle
- Sonoma County: March 9 – Doran Beach
- Fresno: March 16 – Millerton Lake
Submitted by David Maldonado, acting chief
Strategic Communications & External Affairs
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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