The
2026 State Summer Games generated plenty of media interest around the
state, with news outlets featuring our athletes in print, online, and in
their local TV news coverage.
Congrats to Class of 2026
It’s graduation season and Special Olympics Florida is celebrating athletes who are reaching major milestones through college programs, career training, and other education opportunities.
New Law Benefits Our Athletes
Special Olympics Florida and the Special Olympics Florida Foundation are excited to share the news that Florida House Bill 453 has officially become law — creating new opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities across the state.
Leaders Recognized by Greater Orlando Sports Commission
Two Special Olympics Florida leaders have been named finalists for the 2026 SPORTYS, highlighting their impact on Central Florida’s sports community. Lori Newcomb and BJ Mealy were among 65 finalists announced by the Greater Orlando Sports Commission for its annual awards program recognizing excellence across the industry.
Celebrating Our Volunteers
In honor of National Volunteer Month, we want to thank the more than 55,000 volunteers who bring our mission to life. Without their support, our work simply would not be possible. Today, we turn our spotlight on Felicia Marable-Williams from Osceola County.
Celebrating Our Volunteers
As
we continue celebrating National Volunteer Month, today we recognize
Special Olympics Florida coach Valerie Lundin of Pasco County.
Celebrating Our Volunteers
April
is National Volunteer Month, so we wanted to shout out a few of the
incredible volunteers who work to create unforgettable moments for our
athletes across the state.
Today,
we recognize the Nunez family from the South Region.
Partnership Supports Our Athletes
A huge thanks to Baptist Health and the Miami Host Committee for FIFA World Cup 2026 for coming together to support the athletes of Special Olympics Florida.
Celebrating Our Volunteers
To celebrate National Volunteer Month, we are turning the spotlight on some of the amazing volunteers who have committed themselves to helping our athletes reach their full potential. Today, we highlight Phyllis Crain from our West Coast Region.
A message from our President & CEO
Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization. They make
our work possible, and they are our athletes’ biggest fans.
Happy National Volunteer Month!
Month of Giving Campaign
Grab a delicious Jersey Mike’s sub before the end of March, and donate
to Special Olympics Florida either in-restaurant or on the app. Your
gift will support athletes like Laura Wuerker, who’ll be competing in
golf at the upcoming Special Olympics USA Games this summer.
Month of Giving Campaign
Grab a
delicious Jersey Mike’s sub this month, and donate to Special Olympics
Florida either in-restaurant or on the app. Your gift will support
athletes like Hudson Adams-Farley, who’ll be competing in volleyball at
the upcoming Special Olympics USA Games this summer.
Countdown to the USA Games
Special Olympics Florida hosted a celebratory event at Inter&Co Stadium to mark 100 days until the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Month of Giving Campaign
Grab a delicious Jersey Mike’s sub this month, and donate to Special
Olympics Florida either in-restaurant or on the app. Your gift will
support athletes like Gaby DeLeon, who’ll be competing in powerlifting
at the upcoming Special Olympics USA Games this summer.
Recognizing World Down Syndrome Day
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, we’re highlighting one of our amazing Athlete Leaders -- Meghan Mellentine from Lee County.
Month of Giving Campaign
Grab a delicious Jersey Mike’s sub this month, and donate to Special
Olympics Florida either in-restaurant or on the app. Your gift will
support athletes like Joey Reyes, who’ll be competing in softball at the
upcoming Special Olympics USA Games this summer.
Family Connections Webinars Debut in April
Our new monthly webinar series has been created to bring Special Olympics families
together. These virtual gatherings focus on meaningful
connection—linking families to valuable information, practical
resources, and, most importantly, to one another.
Month of Giving Campaign
Grab a delicious Jersey Mike’s sub this month, and donate to Special Olympics Florida either in-restaurant or on the app. Your gift will support athletes like Ava Johnson, who’ll be competing in gymnastics at the upcoming Special Olympics USA Games this summer.
Jersey Mike’s Subs Month of Giving is Here
Jersey Mike’s stores have made Team Florida their charity of choice and are giving customers the chance to donate all month long. On March 25, all 251 Jersey Mike’s locations in Florida will donate 100% of their sales to Team Florida.
Athlete Achieves Ultraman Success
Special Olympics Florida - Polk County athlete Ryan Aytona has completed one of the most grueling sporting events on earth -- 2026 Ultraman Florida.
Celebrating Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting some of its incredible athletes. Today we feature Derrick Dickey.
Celebrating New Hall of Fame Members
We proudly celebrated the induction of eight
exceptional individuals into our Special Olympics Florida Hall of Fame during a recent ceremony
honoring their longstanding dedication, leadership, and impact on
athletes and communities across the state.
Celebrating Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting some of its incredible athletes. Today we feature Kellie Matthew.
Promoting the Plunge
WESH 2 in Orlando recently invited us into the studio to talk about the 2026 Polar Plunge at Aquatica.
Celebrating Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting some of its incredible athletes. Today we feature Terrence Freelove.
Athletes Meet World-Champion Gymnast
Special Olympics Florida gymnasts from Miami-Dade County enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when they recently attended the Biles International Invitational and spent time with Olympic gold medalist and gymnastics legend Simone Biles.
Headed Back to the Big Game
Special Olympics Florida athlete and sportscaster Malcom Harris-Gowdie will be heading to San Francisco to join Super Bowl LX’s Radio Row.
Athletes’ Amazing Achievements
From Pensacola to Key West, Special Olympics Florida athletes continue to do amazing things, proving there is no limit to their potential. They are authors, musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and, of course, high-performing athletes. Here are two recent examples
Help Light the Torch for Special Olympics Florida Athletes
Special Olympics Florida and Publix are teaming up once again to support athletes across Florida through the annual Torch Icon Campaign.
Wawa Steps Up for Athletes
Wawa's annual campaign to support Special Olympics Florida is happening now at Wawa stores statewide, giving customers easy ways to
make a difference during their everyday visits.