SACRAMENTO SPORTS HALL OF FAME PARTNERS WITH

 SPECIAL OLYMPICS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

The Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame's charitable partner is Special Olympics Northern California.  For the seventh consecutive year, the Hall of Fame will raise money and inducted a Special Olympics athlete as part of it's annual induction celebration.

Again this year, Special Olympics Northern California nominated five athletes who have demonstrated not only outstanding athletic achievements but strong character, determination and being a good teammate.  Athletes were nominated by their respective coaches and the Sacramento Spots Hall of Fame committee made the final choice for induction.

We are proud to induct Jonathan Sparks as the 2020 Special Olympics Northern California Inductee.  Jonathan Sparks has been involved with Special Olympics for more than 40 years and has participated in swimming, track & field, and golf. Along with numerous medals and impressive accomplishments earned in competition, he served as a Torch Bearer during the 2015 Special Olympics World Games celebration; was the Opening Ceremony emcee for the Summer Games in 2012 and 2013, and WinterFest in 2014. Jonathan has dedicated his time as a volunteer to support his fellow athletes at events, including serving on the Sacramento Polar Plunge Committee and raising thousands of dollars each year. He was the Volunteer of the Year Award recipient in 2008 and nominated again in 2014.

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Jonathan’s skill sets also include singing and public speaking. He has performed the National Anthem at a number of SONC events over the years and has been promoting Special Olympics through speaking engagements for more than a decade. Jonathan is a certified SONC Global Messenger and has spoken at conferences, businesses, in the media, at community functions; and annually advocates for Special Olympics at the California State Capitol.

Jonathan and his fellow nominees: William Amey, Tara Campbell-Miller, Phillip Gonzales and Chris May  were all recognized at our 8th Annual Induction Celebration on January 25, 2020 at Thunder Valley Casino Resort.

“Special Olympics Northern California celebrates the greatness in all our athletes and promotes an inclusive community. We are honored that the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame recognizes and supports the achievements of our amazing Sacramento athletes.”

David L. Solo

President and CEO

Special Olympics

Northern California

2020 Inductee

Jonathan Sparks

2020 Nominees