Community Resource
Where athletes with intellectual disabilities find sports, confidence, friendship, and a community that celebrates every victory.
Every person deserves the chance to compete, belong, and be celebrated — and that's exactly what Special Olympics makes possible. As the world's largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics offers year-round training and competition in a wide variety of Olympic-style sports. For families in Beaumont, Cherry Valley, Calimesa, Banning, and the surrounding Pass Area, it's an extraordinary opportunity for athletes of all skill levels to develop physical fitness, build self-confidence, and become part of a community that sees them for who they are and what they can do. Whether you're a parent looking for your child's first team experience, a young adult exploring new challenges, or a family wanting to volunteer together — Special Olympics welcomes you.
What Makes It Special
Special Olympics is built on the belief that every athlete has something to offer and every achievement matters. Here's what makes it so powerful for families.
From track and field to basketball, swimming, soccer, and bocce — Special Olympics offers year-round athletic training and competition for athletes of all skill levels.
A welcoming environment where athletes with intellectual disabilities build friendships, find belonging, and become part of a supportive team that celebrates every achievement.
Athletes develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience the joy of competition — building skills that carry into every area of life.
Special Olympics brings families together — whether as athletes, volunteers, coaches, or fans. It's a place where every family member can be part of something meaningful.
Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program provides free health screenings and wellness resources, helping athletes stay healthy and active.
Athletes grow into leaders through the Athlete Leadership program, speaking engagements, and mentorship roles that extend far beyond the playing field.
Sports & Programs
Special Olympics offers a remarkable range of sports — from traditional Olympic events like track & field, swimming, and basketball to individual pursuits like golf, tennis, and cycling. Athletes train with qualified coaches, compete in local and regional competitions, and can advance to state, national, and international games. Every sport is adapted to meet athletes where they are, with the focus on personal bests and the joy of participation.
The Unified Sports program is especially powerful — pairing athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, building understanding, friendship, and a truly inclusive playing field.
Visit SpecialOlympics.orgAvailable Sports
Sports vary by region and season. Contact your local chapter for the full list of programs available in the Inland Empire and Riverside County.
From the Coach
Sam Silver isn't just a 22-year community advocate and U.S. Army veteran — he's a Special Olympics coach who believes every athlete deserves the chance to shine. That commitment to service extends from the coaching field to everything he does in the community. Sam created Beaumont Life as a resource for all families in the Pass Area, and that includes making sure families know about the incredible opportunities Special Olympics provides.
If your family is exploring Special Olympics for the first time, or if you'd like to learn more about getting involved as a volunteer or coach, Sam would love to help point you in the right direction.
Common Questions
"Coaching Special Olympics has taught me more about community than 22 years of real estate ever could. When you see an athlete cross the finish line and the whole crowd is on their feet — that's what the Pass Area is about. We show up for each other."
— Sam Silver, Special Olympics Coach & Community Advocate
Whether you're looking for your child's first team, want to volunteer, or just want to learn more — the Special Olympics community is waiting for you with open arms. Every athlete belongs here.
