San Quentin Rehabilitation Center hosted a Special Olympics fundraising event that included a day of sports with a goal of promoting rehabilitation, inclusion, and positive community outreach.
Hundreds of San Quentin residents, staff gathered on the Lower Yard to show unity and teamwork by engaging in friendly competitions of softball, basketball, pickleball, and tennis.
“Days like these show the commitment of both staff and the incarcerated to come together as a community and provide support for events like the Special Olympics,” said San Quentin Associate Warden N. Avilla.
The event started with residents parading onto the infield of the Field of Dreams with banners of the names of the many groups that showed support for the cause.
Softball players stood on the first base and third base lines and fans assembled for the San Quentin Veterans Color Guard to play the National Anthem.
Captain Z. Robberecht started the ceremony with a speech from the mound, accompanied by Special Olympic athlete Julian Asher who held the “Flame of Hope” torch high above his head as a proud symbol of the day’s event.
According to Captain Robberecht, contributions raised from the day’s event and the upcoming Special Olympic law enforcement torch run have exceeded $1,000 from SQRC residents and $9,000 from the rehabilitation center’s custody and other staff and outside donors.
Robberecht explained the donations would ensure continued access and vital opportunities for Special Olympics athletes. “For every one dollar donated, 90 cents goes to the athletes,” Robberecht said. “For every $500 raised, it will help support an athlete for an entire year.”
As the basketball, tennis, and pickleball games began, the softball participants lined up as team leaders AW Avilla and Captain Robberecht chose mixed teams that included both residents and staff.
The highlight reel of the two softball games included a barrage of big hits and clever base running from many participants. The crowd cheered wildly whenever officers Vasquez and S. Quach blasted the ball deep into the field.
Resident Talosisi “Sisi” Matangi sped around the bases, which allowed him three inside-the-park home runs that impressed everybody.
The cheers of support and loud music echoed off the walls as resident and DJ, Jamaal Harrison, announced the game’s action.
All players had a chance to shine including SQRC staff member B. Cox and resident J. Uhler, who showed off their fielding and batting skills during the first game that ended with a score of 9-6.
The mission of the day’s events was empowerment through sports, confidence building, friendships, and a sense of belonging not only for the residents, but for the outside sports enthusiasts. Players lined up again to pick new teams for a second game. After a back and forth battle between the new teams, the second game ended 9-8.
“It’s great we can have events like this to support great causes and to continue to bridge the gaps within our community,” said softball player Officer S. Quach.
The ceremonial closing of the event included acknowledgements from event organizers Captain Z. Robberecht and resident Jerry Welsh.
Captain Robberecht said the event — and the upcoming law enforcement torch run across the Golden Gate Bridge — brings awareness to people with intellectual disabilities. The captain thanked everyone for supporting the cause.
While passing out participation medals, resident Welsh announced recognition and praised everyone who helped put the event together. He said the day sent a message of hope and healing and celebrates every individual’s potential.
“This event is more than a fundraiser, it’s a chance to stand for inclusion, compassion, and transformation,” Welsh said. “Today’s events demonstrate how rehabilitation can be nurtured by giving back and working together.”