Agency Spotlight: Special Olympics Southern California – Ventura County
For over 40 years, Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) has been changing the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties through the power of sports. Special Olympics was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver as a groundbreaking movement to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities a chance to shine, compete, and be celebrated. The initial International Special Olympics Games took place in Chicago, and today the movement has become global with over 4.4 million athletes from 170 countries.
The Special Olympics is a movement, not just a sports organization. It's a worldwide force that brings people together. Through year-round sports training and competition, athletes gain physical fitness, courage, and lifetime friendships. They also find confidence on the playing field and off, inspiring others to discover the strength, talent, and potential that resides in every individual.
How You Can Get Involved
Special Olympics Ventura County offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, from coaching and assisting with local teams to helping coordinate competitions and special events. Whether you're an individual, part of a service group, or a business looking to make an impact, there’s a place for you!
Annual Competitions Needing Volunteers:
Ventura Bocce Competition – April 26, 2025
Ventura Swimming Competition – May 10, 2025
Ventura Bowling Competition – Summer 2025
Ventura Softball Competition – Fall 2025
Most events are family-friendly, and volunteers must be at least 14 years old.
Donations Welcome
Special Olympics gladly accepts in-kind donations of new or gently used sports equipment for the following sports: Track & Field, Basketball, Bocce, Flag Football, Swimming, Bowling, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, and Floorball
Your donations help athletes compete safely and successfully in sports they love.
Interested in Volunteering or Donating?
Contact Joshua Beg – Ventura County Volunteer Manager
jbeg@sosc.org | (805) 662-2380
