Upcoming Special Olympic Events in Our Chapter

In 1962 Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a summer day camp for children & adults with Intellectual Disabilities. From that camp concept came Special Olympics which was founded in 1968. Eunice asked her husband & brothers to get involved and to help. Those men were Knights of Columbus, and that is when the Knights of Columbus started their involvement. The first “World Games” were held at Solider Field in Chicago, the Knights of Columbus were the primary sponsor for the event.
Today Special Olympics is the largest organization supporting those with Intellectual Disabilities and the Knights of Columbus are the largest supporter of Special Olympics.

I joined the Knights of Columbus so that I could become a better Catholic and to be of service to my Parish & Community. The first program I ever participated in was the Intellectual Disabilities Program (Tootsie Roll Drive) and I fell in love with the program. I eventually became the Program Chair for my council and became involved with my area Special Olympics. When I became a District Deputy I was asked to be the Intellectual Disabilities Chairman for the Chapter. As time progressed I became a State Committeeman for the “Feed the Athletes” Program. Then I was asked to be the California State Council Special Olympics Chairman.
Helping those with Intellectual Disabilities holds a special place in my heart because I have 2 children with “Special Needs”. The loving & kind nature of Special Olympic Athletes is something very special, you will only know that once you have an opportunity to experience it.

God Bless
Charles Beltz – nhlfan@syix.com

Northern California Chapter Vice President
California State Council Special Olympics Chairman

Those who wish to make individual donations, volunteer at various events, become a Coach or Official, Health Services and many other opportunities can go to sonc.org

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