LOCAL PROGRAMS

Bring Special Olympics to Your Community

LOCAL PROGRAMS

Bring Special Olympics to Your Community

Local program cutout

WHAT IS A LOCAL PROGRAM?


Local Programs are volunteer-led groups that bring the mission of Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) to life in their community through sports and inclusive activities. Supported by local groups, community members, Unified partners, and SOSC staff, Local Programs play a vital role in expanding opportunities for athletes, Unified Partners, families, and volunteers, and are essential to delivering consistent, high-quality programming.

WHAT IS A LOCAL PROGRAM?


Local Programs are volunteer-led groups that bring the mission of Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) to life in their community through sports and inclusive activities. Supported by local groups, community members, Unified partners, and SOSC staff, Local Programs play a vital role in expanding opportunities for athletes, Unified Partners, families, and volunteers, and are essential to delivering consistent, high-quality programming.

Local program cutout

You Can Build a Program That Makes a Difference

Local Programs are built by people who believe in inclusion and want to create opportunities for Special Olympics athletes close to home. 

Who You Are

  • Volunteers
  • Parents
  • Educators
  • Athletes
  • Unified Partners
  • Community Advocates

Local Program Roles

  • Program Leader
  • Sports Coordinator
  • Fundraising Coordinator
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Athlete Leader

Steps to Bring a Local Program to Life

1

Share Your Interest with SOSC Staff

2

Rally a Core Group of Volunteers

3

Secure a Program Coordinator

4

Recruit a Volunteer Leadership Team

5

Engage the Local Community

6

Participate in Sports Training & Competitions

7

Get Involved in Other Programming

8

Become Accredited with SOSC

Questions?

Contact us with any questions about starting a local program in your community

Brian Richter

Assistant Vice President, Community Partnerships
562.502.1142

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

Compete as a Unified Partner
Day of Event Volunteer
Become a Sponsor
Organize A Fundraiser
Compete as a Unified Partner
Day of Event Volunteer
Become a Sponsor
Organize A Fundraiser

SIGN UP FOR THE SOSC NEWSLETTER

Get the latest on competitions, fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, and all the ways you can be part of SOSC.

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2024 Summer Games athlete and coach hug

Share Your Interest with Regional SOSC Staff

Collaborate with SOSC staff to establish your Local Program’s needs, development, and maintenance plan. This will ensure you get the support you will need.

Secure a Local Program Coordinator

A Local Program Coordinator oversees operations, manages volunteers, and serves as the primary point of contact with SOSC staff.

Recruit a Volunteer Leadership Team

This core team supports the Local Program Coordinator and helps drive Local Program success.

Engage the Community

Alongside SOSC staff, recruit participants and partnerships for your Local Program.

  • Athletes
  • Unified Partners
  • Volunteer coaches
  • Young Athletes
  • Partnerships with the community including regional centers and potential facilities
2025 A Very Special BBQ

Participate in Sports Training and Competitions

Participants engage in weekly practices during each sports season and attend regional competitions.

Local Programs are required to offer training options in a minimum of two seasons.

Hero training running

Get Involved in Other Programming

Young Athletes hero

Become Accredited

Complete and maintain the first six steps within six months to become accredited as a Special Olympics Southern California Local Program!

SOSC 2 Line

NEED HELP?

Contact Us

Make a Donation

562.502.1100 or
Email | info@sosc.org

Website & Technical Problems

562.502.1050 or
Email | lsundal@sosc.org

General Questions

562.502.1100 or
Email | info@sosc.org