Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC)

Special Olympics Southern California
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Honorees

Heart of a Champion | April 18, 2026

2026 Heart of a Champion Honorees
Volunteer Honoree
Debbie Angle
About Debbie Angle​:
Debbie Angle has been a dedicated and cherished part of our Heart of a Champion community for nearly two decades. Her unwavering commitment continues to make a meaningful impact on our Special Olympics athletes, our Orange County signature event, and our overall mission. Debbie is a driving force behind so much of what we accomplish—often working quietly behind the scenes yet leaving an unmistakable mark on our success. One of Debbie’s most notable contributions is her extraordinary leadership of our event auction, including acquiring and assembling our themed baskets—arguably one of the most challenging and time-intensive aspects of the gala.
Anyone who has seen Debbie in action knows the incredible coordination, creativity, and dedication this effort requires. She doesn’t simply organize items—she tirelessly reaches out, builds lasting relationships, and consistently secures generous donations that elevate the entire auction experience. And she does it all with a warm smile and a welcoming spirit that draws people in. Beyond the Heart of a Champion Gala, Debbie supports Special Olympics fundraisers and events throughout Orange County. She is deeply loved by our local athletes and community and embodies the true spirit of service, teamwork, and heart that defines Special Olympics and this event. Debbie resides in Laguna Niguel with her husband, Paul. Together they have three children and one beloved grandchild, Baby Fletcher.
Betty Belden Palmer Athlete of the Year Award
Big Joe Hreish
2026 Heart of a Champion Athlete of the Year, Big Joe Hreish
About Big Joe Hreish:
Special Olympics Southern California athlete Joseph “Big Joe” Hreish has been active in the Special Olympics for ten years. Big Joe enjoys playing Floorball, Basketball, Softball, Bowling, and Flag Football. Big Joe has participated in both Traditional and Unified Sports with Special Olympics. His long-term goal is to bring home a medal from the USA and/or World Games. Big Joe has enjoyed many great and meaningful experiences with Special Olympics. Two of his favorite moments are being selected as this year’s Betty Belden Palmer Athlete of the Year for the Heart of Champion Gala and the Kiwanis Special Olympics Athlete of the Year in 2022.

Big Joe became a Special Olympics Global Messenger in 2019. As a Global Messenger, Big Joe has given speeches to numerous law enforcement agencies, large and small corporations, local schools, churches, and many other charitable organizations spreading the word of inclusion and sharing his story and triumphs to 1000’s of people along the way. Big Joe is one of SOSC’s biggest fundraisers among athletes and consistently contributes his time and energy to those efforts through LETR Tip a Cops, the Heart of Champions GALA, LETR Torch Runs, and spreading the word of Special Olympics throughout his home community of Huntington Beach. Big Joe’s dream is to one day see a Special Olympics program in every major city of every Country across the globe and he is trying to make it happen as evidenced by his unwavering passion, perseverance, and enthusiasm for Special Olympics year-round.

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