Mariposa Miners Bring Home the GOLD... Again!! 

July 3, 2026 – Article by Sarah Brewster – The Mariposa Miners Special Olympics team is promised pizza if they win the gold. Well, they got pizza on their way home from competing in Bocce Ball at the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games held at the Santa Clara University June 26, 27 and 28th. Opening ceremony Friday night included inspirational speeches by Olympics gold medalist and former "worlds fastest human", Eddie Hart, and Olympic silver medalist in soccer, Danielle Slaton. Entertainment for the night was the Fulboleros amazing handling of the soccer ball along with Blaco do Sol San Jose Brazilian dance and percussion.

The evening concluded with the lighting of the Olympic torch. The Miners demonstrated their skills and concentration with amazing shots, knocking out their opponents ball or throwing their final ball closer to the pallina. The team encouraged each other and cheered the opposing teams. They showed great sportsmanship. Coaches Shelly Gerken and Sarah Brewster are very proud of this team. Next sport is golf, which they are looking forward to.

Related: Mariposa Miners Special Olympics Team Brings Home Bocce Ball Regional Competition Gold Medal

(Pictured l to r) After receiving their gold medals, pictured are Coach Shelly Gerken, Sarah Gerken, Emily Beck, Aidan Mace, Bob Shear and Coach Sarah Brewster

(Pictured l to r) Emily Beck throwing the ball, Sarah Gerken, Aidan Mace and Bob Shear

(Pictured l to r) Sarah Gerken, Emily Beck, Bob Shear and Aidan Mace cheering themselves for an excellent round