Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC)

Special Olympics Southern California

Event Information

Rafer Johnson and SOSC Athletes

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

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.

Athlete Parent Speaker

Michele Joss-Houghto

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.”

Rafer Johnson
Scroll to Top