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Press release from Humboldt Special Olympics:

Humboldt County Special Olympics is devastated to announce that our equipment storage unit was broken into on New Year’s Day around 1:00 am. Essential sports equipment, uniforms, and vital supplies for supporting our athletes and program activities were stolen.

This theft strikes at the heart of one of our most vulnerable communities. Special Olympics provides a safe, empowering environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, allowing them to thrive through sports, camaraderie, and inclusion. Stolen items are essential to maintaining the programs that inspire and uplift our athletes.

This incident represents a significant loss for our program. Items stolen include first-aid kits, uniforms, pop-up tent canopies, travel bags, softball helmets, swimming gear, and our beloved Special Olympics torch. Unfortunately, replacing the stolen items is a significant financial burden, and we currently lack the funds.

We are urgently appealing to the community for assistance—whether through donations, sponsorships, or spreading the word about this incident. No matter the size, every contribution will help restore the resources needed to continue supporting our athletes and their families. For donations, we have set up a GoFundMe account. You can contact us directly.

We are also asking for the community’s help in bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice. If anyone has any information about the burglary or the stolen items, please get in touch with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (707) 445-7251 (Case#: 2025-00028).

Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time. Together, we can rebuild and deliver critical health, wellness, and sports programs that change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities within our community.