Event Information
The Rafer Johnson Breakfast with Champions
WHEN
Saturday, June 8 at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE
Cal State University Long Beach Student Union
1212 N Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90815
Master of Ceremonies
Kirk Hawkins
KTLA News Anchor
Kirk Hawkins has served as a Weather Anchor, Traffic anchor, News Anchor, and Reporter since he joined the KTLA 5 News Team in December 2014. Prior to KTLA, Kirk worked for ABC News, NBC News, KCBS/KCAL as well as stations in Charlotte, Orlando, Spokane, and Santa Barbara. Kirk is the recipient of two Edward R. Murrow Awards, an L.A. Press Club award, and an Emmy nomination.
He has also appeared in feature films, television shows, and a Super Bowl commercial playing himself. Kirk graduated from the University of California in Santa Barbara with degrees in Communication and Political Science. He also minored in history. He was born in Santa Monica and grew up in Agoura Hills.
Keynote Speaker
Bill Shumard
President Emeritus (SOSC)
Bill Shumard led Special Olympics Southern California as CEO for a remarkable fifteen years. From September 2020 to September 2022, Bill transferred to serve as President Emeritus. Then from October 2022 until February 2023, he assumed the interim CEO role before fully retiring in June 2023.
Athlete Parent Speaker
Michele Joss-Houghton
Athlete Speaker
Sasha Cruz
About Rafer Johnson
For decades, Rafer Johnson has shined both on and off the sports field. In the 1960 Olympic Games, he was USA team captain and won the gold medal in the decathlon. In 1984, Rafer lit the cauldron to open the Olympics in Los Angeles.
While Rafer’s celebrity came from sports, he used his influence to change the world. Along with supporting dozens of charities, he founded Special Olympics California in 1969. Special Olympics Southern California will carry on Rafer’s legacy to be
“The Best We Can Be.”
