Mission: Founded in 1969, the mission of Special Olympics Southern California is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Our vision is to provide sports and training programs for any individual with intellectual disabilities who chooses to participate, thereby improving their lives and the lives of everyone they touch. The Southern California Chapter is bounded by San Luis Obispo, Kern and Inyo Counties in the north, and the U.S./Mexico border in the south. (Less)

Special Olympics Southern California is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 1996, and donations are tax-deductible.