Special Olympics Southern California Kern County

Brandon would golf 365 days a year if his mother would let him. He has been perfecting his game through his involvement in Special Olympics over the past eight years, winning over 25 medals along the way. In addition to weekly practices with his teammates, Brandon’s brother takes him to the driving range to increase his skill level and prepare for competition. The time on the driving range has strengthened their relationship and brought them closer together. They have become more than brothers, they are now friends.  

Throughout the Inland Empire, more than 2,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities just like Brandon find opportunities for improved health, fitness and social interaction through their involvement in Special Olympics.  Founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can learn, enjoy and grow from participation in individual and team sports, Special Olympics provides the structure and encouragement critical to their success.  Through the mastery of sport, our athletes achieve new levels of self-confidence in their physical, mental, and social abilities. 

Special Olympics Inland Empire Region is one of eleven regions that comprise Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC), the umbrella agency for all programs located in the southern half of the State of California. The region has a team of professional staff and volunteers who are responsible for managing the sports training and competitions within its boundaries and for raising its own financial support, making opportunities such as the one being offered by Give Big Riverside so incredibly valuable. Our programs are more than nice recreational activities, we are a necessary support system for our athletes and their health. In other words, funding will allow Special Olympics athletes in our community to live well, be healthy, and flourish!

 

 

Special Olympics Kern County Programs would not exist without YOU! Thank you for your support of our 2025 Give Big Kern Goal of raising $5,000 for our athletes! 

Special Olympics makes a difference - just ask an athlete:

"I feel like I have gotten better with my emotions and sports and Special Olympics has helped that." - Joselyn 
Listen to Joselyn's Story

"Before Special Olympics I had anxiety attacks, I was sad, and I wasn't in a good place for me. Now I have done so many things with Special Olympics and I barely have any anxiety. Someone at Special Olympics will always be there for me to see if I am okay and I am so happy with Special Olympics." - Polly

"Special Olympics is a big part of my life. It has also taught me how to be a leader and good example to other athletes. Special Olympics has given me opportunities to travel out of town, participate in competitions, to make new friends and see old friends." - Eric

"I like to win and I like to play Bowling...breaking pins and getting stikes! Bowling is my favorite." - Mary

"Special Olympics has given me the opportunity to compete in sports that I never thought I would get to have growing up!" - Bryan

"My favorite moment was when I got my very first medal. Getting a medal and doing sports through Special Olympics allowed me to come a long way. I had tears coming down my face and I was in shock because I had never won a medal before in my life." - Penny

Who We Are

We are the world's largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities. Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths, abilities, skills and success. Our athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment -- on the playing field and in life. They also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential. Our vision is to provide sports and training programs for any individual with intellectual disabilities who chooses to participate, thereby improving their lives and the lives of everyone they touch.