PRESS RELEASES

(Ontario, California – April 15, 2025) – As National Volunteer Week (April 20-26) approaches, Greater Ontario California (GOCAL) invites community members to embrace the spirit of giving back. Volunteerism is more than just an act of kindness – it is a core American value and a pillar of our democracy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 51% of Americans ages 16 and older, or approximately 124.7 million people, contribute their time to help a neighbor.

“Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to connect with your community,” said Michael Krouse, President and CEO of GOCAL. “It fosters a sense of belonging, opens doors to new opportunities, and plays a vital role in ensuring visitors experience the best of what our region has to offer.”

GOCAL encourages residents to consider volunteering at some of the Inland Empire’s most iconic events, including Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion and Christmas on Euclid. These events attract tens of thousands of visitors each year, contributing to Greater Ontario California’s reputation as Southern California’s fastest-growing travel destination. Volunteers serve as ambassadors, helping to create welcoming and memorable experiences for guests from around the world.

In addition to supporting major events, volunteering offers personal benefits such as developing new skills, building relationships, and even enhancing career prospects. Many companies value community service as a reflection of leadership and teamwork, making volunteer experience a strong addition to a resume. Furthermore, studies show that acts of service boost overall well-being and happiness, creating a positive impact on both the individual and the community.

Those interested in volunteering for one of GOCAL’s Signature Events can sign up at GOCALevents.org. Whether assisting with event logistics, greeting attendees, or supporting local initiatives, volunteers play a crucial role in strengthening the community.

Celebrate National Volunteer Week by giving back, because when we come together, we all thrive.

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(ONTARIO, California, April 9, 2025) – Be part of an evening to remember by purchasing tickets to the 2025 Induction Ceremony for California Sports Hall of Fame, honoring five sports legends on Sunday, June 29, at the Ontario Convention Center.

Tickets are now available for this premier event, celebrating athletes whose on- and off-the-field contributions have had a profound impact on the state’s sports landscape.

The 2025 inductees are boxer Shane Mosley, who held multiple world championships in three weight classes; former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jesse Sapolu, owner of four Super Bowl rings; soccer legend Paul Caligiuri, best known for his “shot heard around the world” goal in the United States’ 1-0 World Cup qualifier victory in 1989; Janet Evans, the first American to win four individual Olympic gold medals in swimming; and Ron Brown, an NFL wide receiver who also won a gold medal in the 4-by-100-meter relays during the1984 Summer Olympics.

The California Sports Hall of Fame’s new website makes it easier than ever to purchase tickets andselect seats for the Induction Ceremony. The evening starts with a cocktail reception, red carpet photographs, and a silent auction. The Mayoral Ballroom sets the scene for an evening of live music, fabulous dinner, honors and recognition of California’s sports professionals. There are several ticket options available:

• Single-ticket prices are $275
• Tables of 10 are $2500
• Partnership packaging offer marketing amenities with your Table of 10

To guarantee the best seats, partnership opportunities are available for both the Inductee Gala and the California Sports Hall of Fame Golf Classic the following day, June 30, at Red Hill Country Club in Rancho Cucamonga. Those partnership opportunities range from $5,000 to $50,000 and can be found here.

Since its establishment in 2006, the California Sports Hall of Fame has honored more than 100 sports icons, while promoting fitness awareness, education and athletic activities for youth and adults. Beginning with this year’s induction ceremony, two students will be awarded CIF Southern Section Commissions scholarships of $2,500 each. Funding is provided by the California Sports Hall of Fame through its partnerships.

“The impact that our honorees have had cannot be measured in numbers alone. In so many different ways, they have enhanced and transformed the experience for fans and entire communities and helped to make California the center of the American sports scene,” said Christian Okoye, former All-Pro running back for the Kansas Chiefs and founder of the California Sports Hall of Fame.

(ONTARIO, California, March 19, 2025) – Five legends whose on- and off-the-field contributions have made an indelible impression on the California sports landscape will be inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame this summer in Ontario.

The 2025 inductees are Boxer Shane Mosley, who held multiple world championships in three weight classes; former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jesse Sapolu, owner of four Super Bowl rings; soccer legend Paul Caligiuri, best known for his “shot heard around the world” goal in the United States’ 1-0 World Cup qualifier victory in 1989; Janet Evans, the first American to win four individual Olympic gold medals in swimming; and Ron Brown, an NFL wide receiver who also won a gold medal in the 4-by-100-meter relays during the1984 Summer Olympics.

They will be inducted during formal ceremonies on Sunday, June 29, at the Ontario Convention Center.

“The impact that these five sports industry legends have had cannot be measured in numbers alone. In so many different ways, they have enhanced and transformed the experience for fans and entire communities, and helped to make California the center of the American sports scene,” said Christian Okoye, former All-Pro running back for the Kansas Chiefs and founder of the California Sports Hall of Fame.

The California Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies will be followed on Monday, June 30, by a fund-raising golf tournament at Red Hill Country Club in Rancho Cucamonga.

Since its establishment in 2006, the California Sports Hall of Fame has honored more than 100 sports icons, while promoting fitness awareness, education and athletic activities for youth and adults.

To be eligible, California Sports Hall of Fame candidates must have been born in California, have significant state ties, or spent a substantial part of their amateur or professional careers in the state. Nominations are accepted from the public at large as well as the Advisory Committee and current Hall of Fame members. After a vetting process, qualified candidates are voted on by an electorate that includes the organization’s Founder and Advisory Committee.

Induction into the California Sports Hall of Fame is the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award. Honorees have typically spent decades in the sports industry, have been leaders in the industry and have an extensive list of accomplishments.

Beginning with this year’s induction ceremony, two students will be awarded CIF Southern Section Commissions scholarships of $2,500 each. Funding is provided by the California Sports Hall of Fame through its partnerships. Partnership opportunities are available for both the Inductee Gala and the Golf Classic. Those partnership opportunities range from $5,000 to $50,000 and can be found here.

“We are proud to once again host the California Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, one of many signature events that attract visitors from around the U.S. and the world to the fastest growing destination in our state,” said Michael Krouse, President and CEO of Greater Ontario California (GOCAL).

(ONTARIO, California, September 17, 2024) – The California Sports Hall of Fame is proud to partner with the California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section (CIF-SS) in honoring high school students by supporting the Dr. Jim Staunton Champions for Character Commissioner’s Award and scholarship.

This year’s winners, Jackson Taylor of Thousand Oaks and Corrine Kalogonis from Canyon Spring High School, will be recognized at the 19^th Dr. Jim Staunton Champions for Character Awards Dinner on Monday, September 23, in Long Beach, along with other CIF-SS award winners. The two students also will be honored at the 2025 California Sports Hall of Fame banquet next June.

“It is a privilege to partner with CIF-SS in supporting the future academic journeys of outstanding local high school students. A big part of what we do at the California Sports Hall of Fame is promoting education through sports, and it’s through collaborations and partnerships such as this that we can fulfill that critical objective on behalf of our youth,” said Christian Okoye, a former NFL star who founded the California Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Thirty-two other award winners will be recognized at Monday’s ceremony.

(ONTARIO, California, April 22, 2024) – Five legends whose on- and off-the-field contributions have made an indelible impression on the California sports landscape will be inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame in Ontario. This year’s inductees are Lakers Iron Man A.C. Green Jr., who holds a National Basketball Association record for most regular-season games played; San Diego State and Rams running back Marshall Faulk, the National Football League’s Most Valuable Player in 2000; Scott Boras, who was named by Forbes magazine as the Most Powerful Sports Agent in the World; quarterback Rodney Peete, an All-America with the University of Southern California who played 15 years in the NFL; and Andrew Bernstein, who has served as the official sports photographer for most professional teams in Los Angeles and is the NBA’s longest-tenured photographer. They will be inducted during formal ceremonies on Sunday, June 30, at the Ontario Convention Center. “The impact that these five sports industry legends have had cannot be measured in numbers alone. In so many different ways, they have enhanced and transformed the experience for fans and entire communities and helped to make California the center of the American sports scene,” said Christian Okoye, former All-Pro running back for the Kansas Chiefs and founder of the California Sports Hall of Fame. The California Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Gala will be followed by the Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday, July 1 at Red Hill Country Club in Rancho Cucamonga.