Rafer Johnson, along with a small group of volunteers, founded California Special Olympics in 1969 by conducting a competition at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for 900 individuals with mental retardation. Rafer's involvement in Special Olympics began the year before, when he attended the first Special Olympics Competition, conducted by Special Olympics International founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. After the first California games in 1969, Rafer became one of the original members of the Board of Directors. He was elected president and served in that capacity until July 1992 when he was named Chairman of the Board of Governors. In addition, Rafer has throughout his years of service to CSO, acted as a spokesperson. As a three-time World record holder in the decathlon, Silver Medallist at the 1956 Olympics and Gold Medallist at the 1960 Games, Rafer has many connections in the sports world and Hollywood. With those connections, he has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars and recruited dozens of people to support California Special Olympics. For 25 years he has made California Special Olympics a part of his life. Rafer has led the organization's growth to its present size: more than 25,000 athletes in 68 programs throughout California train and compete year-round in 20 sports. Athletes receive quality, consistent training, and compete at local, sectional, statewide and international levels. Rafer also serves as National Head Coach, is Vice President of the Board of Directors and serves on the Board of Directors on seven other organizations. He is also the spokesperson for Reebok Corporation and Hershey Foods Track and Field Youth Program. Rafer's person philosophy is the driving force behind his many contributions to society. He believes very strongly that his academic and athletic activities received tremendous support by his school, parents and the community. As he stated in an interview in the UCLA monthly,
