Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) partnered with the San Francisco 49ers and 49ers PREP presented by U.S. Bank to host a series of live interactive workouts throughout 2020 and 2021.
The workouts were hosted by 49ers PREP coaches, 49ers players and 49ers mascot Sourdough Sam. Instructors led athletes and students through a series of total-body exercises and included modifications as necessary. Every workout ended with a fun dance party featuring Sourdough Sam.
“It’s been awesome,” said 49ers PREP Coordinator Ryan Dillard. “We really enjoy leading these workouts because the athletes and students bring so much energy for every event. Seeing them excited and ready to work motivates us to give them a fun, memorable experience.”
SONC in-person events and activities have been suspended since March 2020, so the 49ers workouts provided a fun way for athletes and students to stay engaged and work on their physical fitness. The workouts were hosted for Special Olympics athletes through the Health & Fitness @ Home program; and for schools through Unified Champion Schools. The inclusive schools events were offered to students with and without disabilities.
“Hosting live workouts and providing on-demand content has been a way for us to help children stay healthy and active within the comforts of their own home and/or classroom,” said Ryan. “Our PREP team strives to be a resource for everyone, so we are glad that we can still make a positive impact in the community virtually.”
The response to the 49ers workouts have been overwhelmingly positive from athletes, students and teachers:
“Thank you, 49ers. It was fun working out with Ryan, {49ers lineman} Daniel Brunskill and Sourdough Sam.”
– SONC Athlete Maurice
“Thank you 49ers for a good session. Thanks Ryan, Daniel and Sourdough Sam. It was a fun time and a good experience. Thank you.”
– SONC Athlete Riley
“Thank you so much! It was so much fun. Thank you Ryan, Daniel and SONC.”
– SONC Parent Darlene
“It was awesome! My students loved it. Thank you so much!”
– Teacher
“Thank you, everybody. This was so much fun.”
– Student
“Thank you, Coach Ryan. This was so much fun. I will never forget this.”
– Student
Learn about how 49ers PREP is supporting the community and view workouts, resources and more.