On Tuesday June 8th, Special Olympics Santa Barbara will recognize the athletes, volunteers and Law Enforcement Agencies that contribute to the spirit of the Summer Games held this weekend, June 12 & 13 at Cal State Long Beach. The celebration marks the Torch Run being held on June 9th and Celebrates 41 years of Special Olympics Santa Barbara. The Special Olympics Santa Barbara celebration will take place at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens from noon to 1 pm celebrating the accomplishments of 325 local athletes who participate in 10 year-round Olympic sports.
Richard Schroeder, 1984 & 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist is the featured guest. An alumnae of UCSB, Richard was a four-time collegiate All-American and was later inducted into the Gaucho Hall of Fame. He went on to become a member of the US Swimming National Team from 1983-1990 and earned two gold medals for the 1984 US Men’s 4×100 Medley Relay and for the 1988 relay team. Richard will lead the Parade of Athletes and Coaches and will present the Special Olympics Santa Barbara Athlete of the Year Award to Jose Castrejon. Jose has competed in Floor Hockey, Athletics, and Soccer. He will receive the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Mayor’s Trophy.
Jose exemplifies the spirit of Special Olympics through the Athlete Oath, “Let me win, but If I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”. He also demonstrates leadership skills by leading warm-up drills and encouraging other athletes at practices and competitions. Jose is an active community member, volunteering weekly at the Food Bank. He as volunteered over 1,000 hours for the Food Bank. He also volunteers at Special Olympics events.
Luncheon sponsors include Deckers Outdoor Corporation, Gold Sponsor, with Montecito Bank & Trust, Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, the Hampton Inn, Citrix Online LLC, The Bank of Santa Barbara and the City of Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation Department serving as Silver Sponsors. Torch Run Sponsors include Vetronix ETAS Group and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Santa Barbara County.
The celebration also marks the start of the 23rd Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. Local law enforcement officers including Cal State Parks , CHP, Santa Barbara Police, SB County Probation, Sheriff’s Department and UCSB Police will carry the “Flame of Hope” through Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito and Carpinteria as it continues on its way from San Luis Obispo to Long Beach for the Opening Ceremonies of Summer Games on June 12th . Under the leadership of Sheriff’s Lt. Butch Arnoldi the torch will be carried a total of 97 miles through South Santa Barbara County. The Torch Run Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 9th at the UCSB Public Safety Building at 11:45am. The public is invited.
“Law Enforcement South Santa Barbara County has supported Special Olympics sports training programs for the past 23 years through the Torch Run and Tip-A-Cops” says Lt. Butch Arnoldi, Sheriff’s Department. “We believe in encouraging the athletes to do their best. Everyone is a winner in Special Olympics.” All funds raised support program expenses for athlete participation in local, regional, and state competitions. Special Olympics is free for athletes and their families due to the generous support from Law Enforcement and the community.
“Sponsors, community organizations, individuals, foundations and 150 volunteers help to make Special Olympics possible in the Santa Barbara area. Together we recognize the dignity, respect, and inclusion that children, teens, and adults with intellectual disabilities need to feel, in order to do train and compete at their best,” states Sara Spataro Regional Director. “Our Special Olympics athletes represent the best in athleticism, sportsmanship and determination”.
Special Olympics volunteers serve as ambassadors, coaches, and friends to an often under represented population. “Volunteers always express the feeling of making a personal difference and getting back more than they ever expected from the experience,” states Ashley Haug, Regional Sports Manager. To make a donation or volunteer, visit www.sosc.org/santabarbara or call 884-1516.
