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Fontana highlights Special Olympics program, schedules Polar Plunge for April 19
Summary
Fontana staff showcased the city’s Special Olympics "Fontana Lions" program, outlined seasonal participation levels and invited the community to a Polar Plunge fundraiser on April 19 at the Fontana Park Aquatic Center.
Jessica Baragon, an aquatics coordinator, told the Parks, Community and Human Services Commission that the city’s Fontana Lions Special Olympics program has grown since it launched in 2016 and now offers year-round opportunities for athletes of varying abilities.
"We're excited to highlight the city Of Fontana's Special Olympics program and the Fontana Lions," Baragon said, describing local participation across multiple sports. She and co-presenter Josh Marquez noted Special Olympics Southern California supports 12 sports across four seasons and serves nearly 25,000 athletes across 11 counties.
Baragon and Marquez provided local participation figures: floorball draws about 31 participants; spring sports such as athletics, swimming and basketball range from 25 to 31 athletes each; summer bowling attracts as many as 50 athletes. They said athletes must be at least eight years old to join and described the online registration and program-connector process used to place athletes with local teams.
The presenters also announced a community fundraiser: "The city of Fontana is excited to host its first ever Special Olympics Polar Plunge on Sunday April 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fontana Park Aquatic Center," Baragon said. The event is intended to celebrate athletes and raise awareness and support for Special Olympics programs in Fontana.
Commissioners praised staff and volunteers for supporting inclusive recreation. Daniel Schneider, community services director, introduced the coordinators and thanked volunteers, coaches and community partners for sustaining the program.
The commission did not take any formal action on the presentation. Staff said they would provide additional event details to the public via the city’s channels.
