We are excited to share that with the downward trend of COVID-19 cases, the Special Olympics of Southern California will begin to return to activities. With the help of Kaiser Permanente, the Special Olympics of Southern California was able to create a phased “return to activity” plan which will allow athletes, unified partners, coaches, and attendees to safely return to the playing fields and courts.

Kaiser Permanente in Southern California is now entering its fifth year as the official health partner for Special Olympics Southern California. Our physicians and medical support staff continually provide high-quality health education, medical support, consulting, and sideline care for athletes.

Shared commitment to health equity, diversity, and community

“The Kaiser Permanente Southern California and Special Olympics Southern California relationship is premised on our 2 organizations’ shared commitment to health equity, diversity, and community involvement,” said Julie Miller-Phipps, regional president for Kaiser Permanente in Southern California and Hawaii Health Plan and Hospitals. “We are proud to be an ongoing part of the Special Olympics movement, hoping to inspire people throughout the world to open their minds and accept and include people with intellectual disabilities.”

Aaron Rubin, MD, family and sports medicine at Kaiser Permanente Fontana and Ontario medical centers, is the chief medical officer for Special Olympics Southern California. Throughout the pandemic, he has advised Special Olympics athletes on protecting their health and educated their families on ways to stay safe. He has also provided consultation to the organization as it prepares to return to activity safely. Dr. Rubin will oversee approximately 40 Southern California Permanente Medical Group physicians and medical support staff at Special Olympics Southern California activities, competitions, and virtual health initiatives.

“Our physicians look forward to safeguarding these awe-inspiring Special Olympics athletes with the highest standard of medical expertise and sideline care,” Dr. Rubin said. “We are committed to empowering these driven athletes to find new abilities, joy, and fulfillment, along with inspiring people throughout the world to accept and include those with intellectual disabilities.”