Becoming Independent and Santa Rosa Junior College Partner to Bring “BI Olympics” to Santa Rosa

SANTA ROSA, Calif., Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Becoming Independent, a nonprofit supporting adults with disabilities live meaningful and independent lives, will host the 2026 BI Olympics on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Santa Rosa Junior College's Bailey Field. Between 75 and 100 athletes will compete in five events: soccer, football, ladder ball, corn hole, and sprint. Opening ceremonies begin at 12 Noon with the Award Ceremony at 1:30 p.m.

The BI Olympics showcase the talent, determination, and teamwork of its athletes, promoting confidence and community engagement. The event also provides a unique opportunity for athletes to celebrate achievements and experience the thrill of competition in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Families, clients, Santa Rosa Junior College faculty, and community supporters regularly turn out to cheer on the athletes. Organizers welcome even more of the community to join this year.

BI and SRJC share a long-standing partnership that has strengthened the impact of BI’s programs for more than three decades. By collaborating with BI, SRJC is able to extend its reach and impact, providing specialized instruction and support for adults with IDD. That aligns with BI's mission to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence and community engagement. Together, BI is providing adults with disabilities specialized instruction, ensuring high-quality education and meaningful learning experiences.

“Hosting the 2026 BI Olympics at Santa Rosa Junior College's Bailey Field is a true celebration of our athletes’ abilities,” says Luana Vaetoe, CEO of Becoming Independent. “SRJC has been an extraordinary partner, providing the facilities, resources, and support that allow this event to flourish. Events like the BI Olympics not only highlight athletic achievement, but also strengthen confidence, independence, and community connections for the people we serve. Let the games begin!”

For BI athletes, the event is about more than competing. “I'm most excited to support my friends who are competing with me, and cheering them on!” says Christina K., a BI Olympics athlete. Fellow athlete Robert T. is equally looking forward to the games: “I'm ready to be the MVP of flag football and winning with my team.”

ABOUT BECOMING INDEPENDENT

Becoming Independent (BI) is a nonprofit community benefit organization supporting the full spectrum of needs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the North Bay, including the need for education, housing, access to healthcare, food security, and mental and emotional health support. Since its inception in 1967, BI has been committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Learn more at http://becomingindependent.org.  

For more information
Dalton Wiley, Becoming Independent
(707) 524-6765, dwiley@becomingindependent.org

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9b69c488-1312-436d-bc53-7cc75d4eadc0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4c2f56b7-a938-4236-b3f3-44121289ebad

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e1803d41-12ef-4e2c-9e89-7be1d11942c4

BI Olympics

A Becoming Independent athlete crosses the finish line in a sprint at the BI Olympics, hosted at Santa Rosa Junior College's Bailey Field. Photo: Kelsey Floyd

BI Olympics Soccer

A BI athlete defends the goal at the BI Olympics. Soccer is one of five events alongside football, ladder ball, corn hole and sprint at the BI Olympics. Photo: Kelsey Floyd

BI Olympic Athletes

Flag football teammates celebrate with their trophies at the BI Olympics. Photo: Kelsey Floyd

BI Olympics Teammates

Athletes compete at the BI Olympics, an annual Becoming Independent tradition. The BI Olympics are coming to Santa Rosa Junior College on October 2, 2026. Photo: Kelsey Floyd