STARRING ROLESOur athletes lit up the screen in 2025, starring in Lights, Camera, Friendship!,
a heartwarming new film celebrating connection and inclusion. Stephen
Lepore, Aubrey Kay, James Holder, and Tim Rabbu joined a week-long
journey that brought together people from across the country to cook,
dance, explore new places, and build meaningful friendships. The show debuted in the spring, delivering a simple but powerful message: everyone deserves friendship and joy. 
SHINING A LIGHT ON OUR MISSIONWe continued to receive incredible support from partners like Publix Super Markets --
our Premier sponsor and champion for the annual
Torch Icon Campaign – and Orlando Health, the Official Central Florida Health Home of Special Olympics Florida, and sponsor of our health screenings at the State Summer Games and State Fall Classic. Each year, all our partners demonstrate their deep commitment to our athletes.
 WORLD CHAMPKellie Matthew made Florida shine on the world stage at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, capturing two gold medals in Alpine skiing. The Broward County athlete, who has been part of Special
Olympics since age 9, powered through three demanding events — winning
Giant Slalom and Slalom and finishing fourth in Super G.
 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDPasco County coach Valerie Lundin received the
Special Olympics North America
Annette K. Lynch Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 40 years of service. Val has held nearly every role imaginable, but coaching 11 sports has
been her true calling. Val is also known for mentoring new coaches,
helping grow the volunteer spirit that powers Special Olympics Florida.
Coaches like Val are the backbone of the Special Olympics movement,
ensuring athletes have the support, guidance, and encouragement they
need to thrive.
TEAM FLORIDA
In June, nearly 200 athletes and their coaches traveled to Central Florida for Training Camp. It was the perfect opportunity for the members of Team Florida to come together as they prepare for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. To support Team Florida and their journey to the USA Games, visit our fundraising site.
BY THE NUMBERS2025 was a milestone year as we topped 80,000 athletes (and counting). We remain the largest state Special Olympics program in the U.S. This year, we held more than 160 competitions and conducted nearly 12,000 health screenings. Many of those screenings led to referrals to ensure our athletes receive the care they need.
SIX HALL OF FAME INDUCTEESWe inducted six new members into the Special Olympics Florida Hall of Fame. Honorees included
ground-breaking athletes, dedicated coaches, and tireless volunteers
who have given their time and resources to support our movement. Read more about each of the inductees here.
A UNIFIED MISSIONIt was another standout year for our Unified Champion Schools programs.
We expanded our reach by adding 92 new schools, bringing the statewide
total to 609. And in 2025, 11 schools earned the prestigious Banner
School designation—national recognition for meeting rigorous standards
of excellence and creating school communities rooted in inclusion,
collaboration, and respect.
 MAKING HEADLINES
Check out some of the accomplishments from our athletes from across the state in 2025:
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