Global Messengers: Class of 2025

By Delanie Ross / Special Olympics Florida

We’re thrilled to announce that eight athletes recently joined the ranks of Global Messengers! Congratulations to Jimmy Fricke, Diego Betancourt, Jason Cacciotti, Jennifer Averette, Amber Schweitzer, Stephen Lepore, Raya Umansky, and Victoria (Tori) Bilyk- Seguin. 

Global Messengers are specially trained Athlete Leaders who serve as powerful spokespeople for Special Olympics Florida. They share their stories, inspire others, and represent the Special Olympics Florida movement at events and in the media. 

The newest Global Messengers recently completed an intensive training program. The training was designed to sharpen their leadership skills and build confidence in public speaking. Athlete Leader Sara Parker helped lead the training. The weekend culminated with a visit to WESH 2 News in Orlando, where athletes worked alongside anchor Meredith McDonough, a Special Olympics Florida Board Member. Athletes gained real-world experience practicing public service announcements and conducting interviews. 

Thank you to the Thomas & Ellen Hogue Family Foundation for generously funding the program and to the dedicated Truist volunteers who helped make the training a success. Thanks to their support, these athletes are ready to lead, inspire, and make their voices heard.