More than 3,000 Expected for Special Olympics Event in Fountain Valley

Correction: The headline on an earlier version of this story said 3,000 athletes were expected. That figure also includes coaches, volunteers and spectators.

More than 1,100 athletes will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals at Special Olympics Southern California’s 2011 Fall Games on Saturday and Sunday in Fountain Valley.

The Fall Games Championship is expected to attract more than 3,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers and spectators over the course of the two-day event. The games, which are one of SOSC’s largest competitions, will feature athletes from San Luis Obispo County to San Diego County. The public is invited to attend this free event and cheer on the athletes as they compete in six different sports.

“The Fall Games Championship is an exciting opportunity for the public to see our inspiring athletes compete and be impressed by their talents and courage,” said Bill Shumard, president and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California, in a press release. “As one of our largest competitions of the year, these games are a great community event that provides a fun environment for families to enjoy sports competition, live entertainment, and experience the meaning of sportsmanship.”

Special Olympics athletes will compete from approximately noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday in bowling at Fountain Bowl; floor hockey at The RINKS in Irvine; and soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park. Gold, silver and bronze medals and ribbons will be presented after competitions.

To keep the athletes prepared for their training and competitions, athletes can receive free health screenings at Fountain Valley Sports Park in the Healthy Athletes Village on Saturday and Sunday. Volunteer healthcare professionals and students provide podiatry, hearing, optometry, dental, dietary, and fitness screenings for the athletes in a welcoming and fun environment.

Athletes can unwind after their competitions by visiting Expo Park, located at the Fountain Valley Sports Park, on Saturday and Sunday. Expo Park will feature live entertainment, sponsor-run booths with interactive games, a souvenir store, community and law enforcement exhibits and more. Expo Park is also open to coaches, volunteers and spectators.

The games will conclude with a Closing Ceremony at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Fountain Valley Sports Park. The 2011 Fall Games are made possible with the help of 300 coaches, 1,000 volunteers, and  contributions from individuals and corporate sponsors, including Hyundai, the Pimco Foundation, UPS and Mattel.

For more information about the Fall Games Championship, visit www.sosc.org/fallgames or call 562.354.2600.