Our President and CEO Wins Women in Sports Leadership Award

Delanie Ross / Special Olympics Florida 

We are proud to announce that Special Olympics Florida’s President & CEO Sherry Wheelock has received the Women in Sports Leadership Award, presented by the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. 

This award recognizes leaders who have made a lasting impact on the sports industry in Greater Orlando. It is an honor reserved for those who have dedicated their time, energy, and passion to improving the industry and shaping its future. 

Since joining Special Olympics Florida in 2012, Sherry has been committed to building a world of respect, and opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities. Under her leadership, the number of athletes we serve has more than tripled to 80,000. She has worked to increase competition offerings to 27 sports, including recent additions like cornhole, pickleball, and FHSAA tennis. She has established partnerships with organizations like Florida Elite Soccer Academy and Gridiron Flag Football, among many others, to expand opportunities for our athletes.

Additionally, Sherry led a collaboration in 2022, to create a sports program in Slovakia for Ukrainian refugees with intellectual disabilities. She was instrumental in helping Florida become the host of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. 

Sherry was honored earlier this month at the 2025 Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon, presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, along with five other award winners.   

Thank you to the Greater Orlando Sports Commission for shining a spotlight on the incredible women making a difference in sports and in our communities. Congratulations Sherry for this well-deserved recognition.