San Francisco 49ers Host Flag Football Event For NorCal Special Olympics
While many others were indoors exploring the NFL Experience in San Francisco, a dedicated community came together on Tuesday evening to play the game of football at San Jose's Valley Christian High School - and some San Francisco 49ers got to watch!
The event was the 'Skills and Drills Clinic,' hosted by the Special Olympics of Northern California and The 49ers Football Camp for the Stars. These organizations provide an opportunity to those with Down syndrome to come together and enjoy the game of football.
In attendance were 49ers Arik Armstead, Torrey Smith, Dylan Thompson and Ian Williams, who provided autographs and photo opportunities after the game.
According to the official Football Camp for the Stars website, "...athletes learn the fundamentals that put them in the middle of the action, resulting in an authentic football experience."
The event kicked off the official launch of flag football as a unified sport within the Northern California Special Olympics, a chapter that projects to have 600 new athletes within the next two years.
RELATED: Special Olympics 'Skills and Drills Clinic' Gallery
The atmosphere at Valley Christian's football field was pure joy; many smiles were found among participants who endured in drills involving passing, catching and running.
San Francisco 49ers players Arik Armstead, Torrey Smith, Dylan Thompson and Ian Williams were also showed up to provide photo opportunities and autographs.
According to Brandon Gruber, a long-time member of 49ers Camp for the Stars, the best part about the the events and the camp is just having fun.
Jared Ray Smith, an athlete at the event shared in the excitement, "We enjoy playing football, it's pretty great… This is my family."
The tournament itself consisted of a single game that began with the official Special Olympics Athletic Oath, "Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt."
The event was capped off by cheers and smiles of those looking forward to the many more events to come.
Click here to learn more about the Special Olympics of Northern California.
-Nicholas Meyer/ CBS Sacramento
