Northern California

6 people smiling and in a group together.

Special Olympics is a global organization that serves athletes with intellectual disabilities working with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year. Since the establishment of Special Olympics in 1968, the number of people with and without intellectual disabilities who are involved with the organization has been growing, but the unmet need to reach more people with intellectual disabilities is staggering.

It’s at the local level—right here—where interested volunteers meet the athletes. That’s where the perceptions start to change and where the miracle of transformation takes place.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Those activities give them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship.

In Northern California, Special Olympics serves more than 31,000 participants and impacts hundreds of thousands of students. Through the power of play, Special Olympics Northern California unites people with and without intellectual disabilities to create a more connected community. Programs in sports, health, schools and leadership promote acceptance and respect. More than 21,000 volunteers and coaches support Special Olympics Northern California—and we’re always looking for more. Join us as an athlete, coach, volunteer or supporter. Special isn’t what we are. It’s what we do!

Download the Special Olympics Northern California Fact Sheet