Racing for Champions in South Florida

By Delanie Ross | Special Olympics Florida

Sallarulo’s Race for Champions celebrated its 18th year of supporting the athletes of Special Olympics Florida on Saturday, November 4! 

About 450 participants gathered on the campus of Nova Southeastern University for this annual 5k. The event, one of South Florida’s most anticipated fundraisers, celebrates community, compassion, and respect in an inclusive run/walk alongside Special Olympics Florida athletes. 

The race was founded by Paul Sallarulo, a local business and community leader whose relationship with Special Olympics began more than 45 years ago as a volunteer. Paul’s son Patrick has been a Special Olympics Florida athlete for more than two decades. Patrick and his sister Samantha serve as Race for Champions team captains every year, and Samantha works as a chairman of the event. 

This year’s event raised more than $490,000 in direct and in-kind support for the more than 6,000 Broward County athletes served by Special Olympics Florida. A huge thank you to the Sallarulos and to everyone who makes this run such a wonderful event year after year.

View the Sallarulo's Race for Champions photo gallery