Special olympics Published May 2, 2007 By 030407 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Northern Santa Barbara County Special Olympics will be held at the base track April 21 beginning at 9 a.m. This will be the 18th year that nearly 150 athletes will make their way to Vandenberg to compete in track and field events. This is a qualifying event for the Southern California Special Olympics to be held in Long Beach, Calif., June 15 through 17. The opening ceremony for the games is scheduled at 9 a.m. and will include a parade of athletes. The first events are scheduled to begin at 9:45 a.m. Family and friends of the athletes who want to attend the games must arrange access to the base by calling Brian Zapada with the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department at 925-0951 Ext. 135. Only family and friends of the athletes will be granted access.