Empowering Connections: Overcoming Obstacles via Sports

It wasn’t a typical day at Intuit Dome, the home ground of the Los Angeles Clippers. Ahead of the scheduled game, leaders from Kaiser Permanente and athletes from Special Olympics Southern California took to the court for a pleasant basketball match. Former LA Clippers players filled in as referees for this unique match. Kaiser Permanente had partnered with both Special Olympics Southern California and the LA Clippers, providing medical assistance to help athletes achieve their best performance. Kaiser Permanente took great pleasure in uniting these two groups of dedicated athletes for a day of fun.

Championing Inclusion Efforts

Approximately 200 million individuals globally live with intellectual disabilities, often facing social exclusion and limited opportunities. Unified Sports, a Special Olympics initiative that encourages individuals with and without disabilities to compete on the same team, works to dismantle these barriers, promoting teamwork and respect. Kaiser Permanente ardently backs these initiatives, empowering individuals and fostering a sense of belonging.

“Kaiser Permanente is steadfast in its commitment to promote total health and improve the wellness of the communities we serve,” stated Michelle Gaskill-Hames, regional president of Kaiser Permanente in Southern California and Hawaii. “Our partnership with Special Olympics Southern California and participation in today’s event underscores the crucial role inclusion plays in achieving optimal health for all. The Special Olympics athletes are certainly a source of inspiration for our staff and physicians.”

Joining Gaskill-Hames for the unified game were six other Kaiser Permanente leaders and ten athletes from the Westside All-Stars, a Los Angeles-based Special Olympics basketball team.

Building Bridges Through Sport

The infectious energy of the Westside All-Stars, who bagged a bronze medal at the 2024 Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games, was on full display during the game.

Reflecting on the day’s events, one of the athletes, Caleb Williams, expressed, “Sports are my life. I met some amazing, positive individuals today. I am incredibly thankful for this experience.” His words underscore the power of sports in sparking joy and cultivating connections.

Post the unified match, all participants enjoyed the LA Clippers basketball game, solidifying connections that started on the basketball court.