June 26, 2012 > The Olympics are Special Every Day for These Athletes The Olympics are Special Every Day for These Athletes Submitted By Shannon Watkins, Photo by Mike Heightchew Davis, California will host the Special Olympics Northern California 2012 Summer Games. More than 900 athletes and volunteer coaches will convene at UC Davis June 22-24 to experience the thrill of competing against other athletes from all over Northern California. Leading into Summer Games, athletes train for six to eight weeks and then compete in a Regional Competition: 1,109 Aquatics athletes competed in five Regional Competitions, 6,776 Track & Field athletes competed in 12 Regional Competitions, 821 Bocce athletes competed in three Regional Competitions, and 245 Tennis Athletes competed in three Regional Competitions. Summer Games will commence with the lighting of the cauldron. The cauldron will be lit at Opening Ceremonies with the "Flame of Hope" that has journeyed throughout Northern California on the official Law Enforcement Torch Run. There is no admission fee to watch Opening Ceremonies or the competitions. For up to date info go to www.SummerGamesSO.com. For more information on Special Olympics Northern California or to donate, visit www.SONC.org or join us at Facebook /SONorCal and Twitter @SONorCal.