Valley State Prison hosts its own Olympic Games

For four days, Olympic-style games were held at Valley State Prison with the participation of 200 inmates.

“The Games were a remarkable demonstration of unity and determination,” said the organizers.

Man holds a baseball bat during a softball game at an Olympic event at Valley State Prison. — Softball at Valley State Prison.

An inmate prepares for the shot put competition. — Softball at Valley State Prison.

Scheduled ahead of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France, the prison hosted its own version. The result was a successful collaboration supported by prison administration, the California Model Resource Team, Youth Officer Program staff, and Valley State Adult School leadership.

The Valley State Prison Honor Guard set the tone for the event by presenting the flag and playing the national anthem at the opening each day.

The preliminary rounds started on Monday with softball and soccer, followed by basketball, handball and athletics on Tuesday.

Wednesday was dedicated to Paralympic Day, which featured disability sports such as horseshoes, cornhole and shot put.

The highlight of the week was the championship day on Thursday, when the best of the best competed against each other in the finals.

Deputy Director O. Bailey expressed his pride in the cooperation of the staff and the population in organizing the multi-day games.

Staff and prison administration at a softball game. — Leadership support for the 2024 Summer Olympics at Valley State Prison.

Assisting CDCR staff at a softball game. — Leadership support for the 2024 Summer Olympics at Valley State Prison.

“The recent Olympic event held on our prison grounds was a testament to the resilience, determination and potential for positive change among our inmates,” said Bailey. “This event fostered a sense of community and camaraderie while providing a meaningful opportunity for personal growth and rehabilitation.”

Heidi Wippel, sports and leisure coach at the headquarters, said the games represented positive approaches to health and rehabilitation.

“The Summer Olympics at Valley State Prison created a connection to the Summer Olympics taking place simultaneously around the world. By providing real competition opportunities, Coach Ishimoto is demonstrating the California model approach,” said Wippel. “Sports and recreation are useful tools for rehabilitation and give incarcerated people a sense of normalcy.”

Events like these are crucial in the prison system because they provide inmates with the opportunity to participate in positive activities and learn teamwork, discipline and self-esteem.

“The Valley State Prison Olympics was not just a competition, but a symbol of hope that demonstrated that with support and dedication, personal change is always possible,” organizers said.

Submitted by Lt. H. Gastelum Jr.