San Mateo County earned the first-ever Government Partner Volunteer of the Year Award from Special Olympics Northern California on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The award recognized the county's $750,000 investment in expanding local programs for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Supervisor Lisa Gauthier and County Executive Mike Callagy accepted the honor at the 2026 Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games, held at Santa Clara University. More than 1,000 athletes, coaches and volunteers gathered for three days of competition, celebration and community.

The Games featured competitions in track and field, tennis and swimming, along with health screenings, a Parade of Athletes and nightly dances.

"We are grateful for the support of San Mateo County and we're proud to honor them as the Special Olympics Northern California Government Partner Volunteer of the Year," David Solo, president and CEO of Special Olympics Northern California, said in a county press release. "The County's commitment is crucial to help us uplift and inspire individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the power of sports."

State Sen. Tim Grayson also attended the ceremony.

The award traces back to a November 2024 vote by the Board of Supervisors approving $750,000 in Measure K funding over three years for Special Olympics Northern California. That money pays for outreach to schools and recreation programs, recruitment of athletes and volunteer coaches, and transportation for participants who otherwise could not get to competitions.

Gauthier said one of her favorite moments at the Games was watching athletes, coaches and families dancing and celebrating together at the nightly events. She and Callagy accepted the award on behalf of the county's broader volunteer network.

Special Olympics Northern California said the award recognizes the county's partnership in helping more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate in sports while strengthening the network of coaches and volunteers who make the Games possible.

The county's three-year Measure K commitment funds programming through approximately late 2027.