“We are committed to providing the best possible care for these incredible athletes and ensuring they have the support they need to succeed both on and off the field,” said Nolan Chang, MD, regional medical director of business management for Southern California Permanente Medical Group and a board member for Special Olympics Southern California. “It’s an honor to be part of these athletes’ journeys, from providing medical exams to cheering them on at championships. We are proud to be part of the Special Olympics community and to see the joy and pride on the athletes’ faces as they achieve their goals.”
For Kaiser Permanente, the Fall Games also brought another honor. We received the Local Program Healthy Communities Golisano Award, the highest honor for health partners of Special Olympics Southern California. This award recognizes significant contributions to creating equal access to health, fitness, and wellness for people with intellectual disabilities.
Celebration of resilience and determination
The Fall Games Championships in Fountain Valley, California, is the annual close to the fall sports season — where athletes compete in golf, soccer, softball, and volleyball — and a celebration of resilience. At the 2024 championships, more than 150 Kaiser Permanente physicians and employees volunteered in various capacities, providing medical education and care, welcoming guests to events, and cheering on over 900 athletes from the sidelines, demonstrating Kaiser Permanente’s dedication to fostering inclusive communities.
Among the many teams that Kaiser Permanente cheered on was the Whittier Dirty Dawgs. After months of rigorous training, the Dawgs’ softball team secured a silver medal in its final match, showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork. The team’s success was a testament to its dedication as well as its coaches’ support.
