Special Olympics Southern California Fall Games 2026: Dates, Venues, and How to Get Involved

The Fall Season at a Glance

The Special Olympics Southern California Fall Sports Season runs from August 29 through November 13, 2026, and it culminates in two weekends of competition. The season gives athletes across the region a chance to train, compete, and be celebrated, and every event ends with the thing that matters most: the athletes, their families, and the community cheering together.

This fall includes soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball, with athletes competing by ability level rather than age, so every participant gets a real chance to shine. Whether an athlete is chasing a personal best or a gold medal, the atmosphere is one of joy, effort, and belonging.

LA County Fall Games: Saturday, November 7

The LA County Fall Games take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at South Gate Park (9520 Hildreth Avenue, South Gate), serving Region 2, which includes Los Angeles, Kern, and Inyo counties. The same day, the Glendale Soccer & Tennis Competition runs at Crescenta Valley High School.

For families in Santa Clarita, the LA County Fall Games are the closest major competition weekend of the season, a short drive down the 14 and the 5. It is also one of the best ways to see the special-needs community supported, welcomed, and celebrated in person.

Fall Games Championship: November 14-15

The 2026 Fall Games Championship takes place on November 14 and 15 at Fountain Valley Sports Park (16400 Brookhurst Street, Fountain Valley), with soccer, softball, and tennis competitions, and volleyball at La Quinta High School in Westminster. It is the biggest weekend of the fall season, bringing together athletes and delegates from across Southern California.

Volunteers make these events possible, from field marshals and medal ceremonies to registration and hospitality. Special Olympics Southern California welcomes new volunteers at every event, and no experience is needed, just a willingness to show up and celebrate athletes.

Why I Coach, and Why It Matters

I have been involved with Special Olympics coaching because of a simple belief: every person deserves the chance to be part of something, to train for a goal, and to hear a crowd cheer their name. As a father of twin daughters, including one with autism, I know what it means when a community makes room for every family. Coaching is my way of giving that back.

The lessons athletes teach us, about effort, resilience, and joy, are the same lessons that make someone a better parent, a better neighbor, and a better REALTOR. When I help a special-needs family find the right home, I am looking for the same thing those athletes show me every season: the right fit, the right support, and a place where they can thrive. Find the right community and everything else gets easier.

How You Can Get Involved

• Cheer: Bring the family to the LA County Fall Games on November 7 or the Championship November 14-15. Spectators are welcome and encouraged.
• Volunteer: Special Olympics Southern California posts volunteer opportunities for every event at sosc.org. No experience needed.
• Donate: It costs money to put on every practice, uniform, and venue. One-time and monthly gifts directly support athletes.
• Spread the word: A share, a post, or a conversation about the Fall Games reaches a family that needs to know they belong.

Frequently Asked Questions