This episode of The Nonprofit Report features Special Olympics Northern California (SONC), a transformative organization advancing inclusion through athletics.
Guests:
David Solo, President & CEO
Chuck Koch, Chair of the Board
Interview by:Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
- Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, inspired by her sister Rosemary, who had intellectual disabilities. From Camp Shriver to an international movement, it now serves over 5 million athletes in 177 countries.
- SONC serves over 31,000 individuals in Northern California alone, supported by 21,000 volunteers, 9,800 coaches, and 8,300 partners, across 500 schools and multiple athletic programs.
- The heart of SONC lies in its emphasis on inclusion, community, and the power of sports as a social connector.
- SONC employs athletes on staff and includes athlete representatives on its board and committees, reinforcing authentic inclusion rather than symbolic participation.
- The organization currently reaches about 9% of the serviceable population in California and has set a goal to reach 25% in the coming decades.
Other points on Special Olympics Northern California:
To meet its growth goals, Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) is rolling out a regionalization strategy that decentralizes operations and brings leadership closer to communities. Four regions have been established—San Francisco to Monterey, Sacramento to the Oregon border, the Central Valley, and the East Bay—each to be led by a Senior Vice President acting as a local CEO.
This local-first approach supports deeper community partnerships, strengthens infrastructure, and enhances volunteer coordination. The board, now nearly 30 members strong, reflects a range of geographic, professional, and personal backgrounds—including three athletes who provide lived experience and help keep the mission front and center.
SONC’s Unified Champion Schools program continues to be a key driver of growth, now in nearly 600 schools. By fostering inclusion and empathy from a young age, the program not only impacts students and families but also helps build a more inclusive society. As regionalization moves toward full implementation by early 2027, SONC is positioning itself for sustainable, locally driven impact.
Special Olympics Northern California continues to demonstrate that joy, inclusion, and transformation are possible when communities come together to celebrate the potential in every person.