Special Olympics Northern California

We are thrilled to unveil Do Something Special, our first-ever brand awareness campaign demonstrating how Special Olympics brings people together in ways that erase lines of division and isolation. The campaign launches today in conjunction with our annual Summer Games at Santa Clara University.    The campaign helps redefine what it means to be ‘special’ within the Special Olympics movement and is designed to ignite momentum in our larger NorCal community. It addresses the preconceived notions of what it’s like to live with an intellectual disability and showcases our athletes reclaiming the word ‘special’ as a thing of power: “Special isn’t what we are. It’s what we do.”     Each week we will be sharing content that features real Special Olympics NorCal athletes front-and-center as a celebration of their hard work, determination, sportsmanship, accomplishments, camaraderie and more. We invite you to see for yourself in our first spot and how we’re redefining “special.” Re-energizing and celebrating it. Making it our own again. You’re invited to #DoSomethingSpecial, too, by volunteering, donating, or joining our movement. Or simply sharing this message of Inclusion further. Visit DoSomethingSpecial.org for more information.

Grateful to our amazing partner, Jersey Mike's Subs, for their unwavering support! During Summer Games, our friends from Jersey Mike's presented us with a generous donation from their Month of Giving campaign. This contribution will go a long way in supporting free programs for our athletes. Thank you Jersey Mike's ❤️

We're just 3️⃣ months away from Bike the Bridges & Brewfest! Our 15th annual event will return to Martinez Waterfront Park on Saturday, Oct. 5. Gather your friends, coworkers & family for a fun experience! All proceeds support free year-round Special Olympics NorCal programs in sports, schools, health & leadership. Let's Ride! TheBridgeRide.com

"Special Olympics is the world to me. I love interviewing because I've found my natural talent. I think I'm good at it." We think so, too! 👏 Athlete Leader Ryan was featured on KTVU 2 earlier this week for #WorldSportsJournalistsDay. Check out the interview to hear Ryan talk about what Special Olympics NorCal means to him, why inclusion is so important, and his experience with The Special Report interviewing guests such as Joe Montana, Julie Foudy and George Kittle. Check out all of our amazing athlete hosts - & their star guests - at DoSomethingSpecial.org. #DoSomethingSpecial #OneNorCal #CelebrateInclusion

It’s #WorldSportsJournalistsDay & we were busy today with our talented athletes! Athlete Leader Cristhian hosted The Special Report interviews with players & coaches of the Oakland Athletics; our first episodes in Spanish! Later, Athlete Leader Ryan was interviewed live on KTVU 2 about his experiences with The Special Report & the impacts of Special Olympics NorCal. Great job! Watch every episode of The Special Report to see our athlete broadcasters in action: https://lnkd.in/gdjJHSkV

A huge thank you to Loop Neighborhood for their incredible generosity! 🎉 We are thrilled that Loop kicked off our Summer Games and cheered on our athletes. Their support helps us provide free programs for Special Olympics athletes, fostering inclusion and creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved. Thank you Loop for your commitment to our community and for making this event truly special! ❤️ #OneNorCal #CelebrateInclusion

The Flame of Hope has reached the State Capitol on its way to Summer Games! Thousands of law enforcement personnel across NorCal are joining together to carry the Torch through their communities to raise funds & awareness for our athletes. Today’s ceremony at the Capitol marked the middle of the Torch Run & the handoff heading toward Santa Clara & Friday’s Opening Ceremony!

Good people, good times & a GREAT cause! Register for Bike the Bridges & Brewfest before July 1 to take advantage of early-bird rates. Our 15th annual event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Waterfront Park in Martinez.

Being Special is being YOU! We visited Santa Clara University for this week's episode of The Special Report to chat with four exceptional student-athletes who support Special Olympics. Watch the full interview below and join us for Summer Games from June 28-30!

We visited our friends at Flyers Energy | A World Kinect Company last week for a truly "Special" truck reveal! 👀 Athlete Leader Jeff got to see the new Flyers truck wrap up close & personal... featuring himself as a part of the Do Something Special campaign! We thank Flyers Energy for their support throughout the year & raising awareness for Special Olympics all over NorCal with their new truck designs. Keep an eye out for Jeff's trucks rolling through your neighborhood this summer!