Oxnard College ASG sponsors Special Olympics Team

The Oxnard College Associated Student Government helped out some athletes in need as they sponsored three Ventura County Conejo teams to compete in a Special Olympics sporting event in San Diego.  

This event includes a softball tournament that takes place this Sunday, Sept. 12 at Morley Field in Balboa Park.

All teams have been preparing to participate in another year of competition.

Although this tournament includes individuals with developmental disabilities, the Special Olympics were unable to fund the trip, which included the registration and transportation fees.

 Deserie Mandujano, ASG President and a 20-year-old psychology major, was honored to have been able to provide these teams with this opportunity.  

“I believe it’s important for us to show support because it is always hard to get sponsored,” she said. “So it’s good to have students like us sponsor a team because it gives them a chance to go all the way.” 

The Ventura County Conejos are part of an annex to SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes (S4EA) that also serves San Diego and Riverside counties.

The team is lead by Linda Fintel, who is a coach with the Special Olympics organization.

“It is wonderful that the Oxnard College ASG would sponsor us again this year,” stated Fintel. “I am really appreciative.” 

Fintel also explained that many of the athletes are adults who live either independently or in group homes.

Their financial needs are met through their SSI benefits and it barely covers their sustainability costs, so they would not be able to pay for their trip to San Diego on their own.  According to Fintel.

There will be 30 athletes who will be participating in the softball tournament.  

“This event will broaden their horizons and their views of the community,” said Fintel. “They also get to see new places, build friendships, and meet new people.” 

This year, all three teams will be able to attend thanks to the Oxnard College ASG.

No fundraising was needed to accumulate the funds for this sponsorship.

Amber Macaulay, ASG Treasurer spoke highly of the Special Olympics organization and the S4EA program and had no qualms in making this happen.  

“With our budget, we decided to support the Special Olympics team this year,” explained Macaulay. “It was a unanimous decision to do so.” 

For more information on the this event, visit www.s4ea.com