May 5, 2025
Building bonds and breaking barriers through sport
Kaiser Permanente brought Special Olympics Southern California and the LA Clippers together for a game of inclusive basketball.
The Special Olympics Southern California’s bronze medal winners, the Westside All-Stars, brought their A-game, playing alongside and opposite Kaiser Permanente leaders.
It wasn’t your usual game at Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers. Before watching the home team play, Kaiser Permanente leaders and Special Olympics Southern California athletes stepped onto the court to play a friendly basketball game. Former LA Clippers team members acted as referees. Kaiser Permanente is proud to partner with Special Olympics Southern California and the LA Clippers to provide medical care to help their athletes reach their peak performance. Kaiser Permanente gladly took the opportunity to bring together 2 passionate groups of athletes for a day of fun.
Leading with inclusion
About 200 million people have intellectual disabilities and can face social exclusion and limited opportunities. Unified Sports — a Special Olympics program that brings together people with and without disabilities to compete on the same team — helps break these barriers, demonstrating teamwork and mutual respect. Kaiser Permanente supports these efforts, empowering individuals and creating a sense of belonging.
“Kaiser Permanente is committed to promoting total health and improving the health of the communities we serve,” said Michelle Gaskill-Hames, regional president of Kaiser Permanente in Southern California and Hawaii. “Through our partnership with Special Olympics Southern California and participating in events like today’s, we reinforce the importance of inclusion in achieving good health for everyone. The Special Olympics athletes truly serve as a source of inspiration for our employees and physicians.”
In addition to Gaskill-Hames, 6 other Kaiser Permanente leaders and 10 athletes from the Westside All-Stars, a Los Angeles-based Special Olympics basketball team, participated in the unified game.
Creating opportunities for connection
The Westside All-Stars' energy was contagious as they showcased why they clinched a bronze medal at the 2024 Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games.
One of the athletes, Caleb Williams, reflected on the day’s impact: “Sports are my life. I met incredible, positive people today. I feel so grateful for this experience.” His story highlights the role sports play in bringing joy and fostering connection.
After the unified game, everyone watched the LA Clippers basketball game, strengthening bonds that started on the court.
Special Olympics Southern California athlete Caleb Williams (middle) and other participants stretch before the unified basketball game.
Kaiser Permanente leaders Cindy Striegel (front) and Michelle Gaskill-Hames (center) practice drills led by former LA Clippers player Craig Smith (center left).
Kaiser Permanente leader Linton White (left) and Special Olympics Southern California athlete De’Aaron Greene (right) play a basketball game to support inclusion.
Special Olympics Southern California athlete Mycah Mays focused before shooting the ball.
Paving the way for learning
It wasn’t just the Westside All-Stars who enjoyed the day — Kaiser Permanente leaders did, too.
"As a Special Olympics volunteer, I provide athletes the care they need to excel on game day," said Nolan Chang, MD, regional medical director of Business Management for Southern California Permanente Medical Group and board member of Special Olympics Southern California.
"Today was different from my usual role — I had the chance to play alongside these incredible athletes, sharing the same goal and following their lead on the court. This experience taught me lessons about teamwork and the remarkable spirit of these athletes," he said.
The day spent with the athletes underscored Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to ensuring everyone has access to physical and mental well-being opportunities.
Transforming lives beyond the game
“Sports build confidence and create a sense of belonging,” said Kelly Pond, president and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “Our Special Olympics athletes are twice as likely to live independently and be employed because of the skills they develop through training and competition.”
Through our partnership with Special Olympics Southern California, Kaiser Permanente supports inclusivity and empowerment. This collaboration showcases the transformative power of sports in fostering independence and community, reminding us that together, we can create a world where everyone thrives.
Learn more about Unified Sports.
