News


Jabil Highlighted as Sponsor of Unified Sports in West Coast Region

This partnership highlights Jabil’s continued dedication and commitment to fostering inclusion, both on the field and in the workplace.

Florida Athletes Power U.S. Team to Win in Iceland

Congratulations to John David Haywood and C.J. Panatieri, who won individual medals and helped lead the United States Team to a first-place victory at the 2024 World Open Powerlifting Championships in Iceland.

Florida Media Taking Notice

We are so grateful to Florida news outlets for putting the spotlight on our volunteers, athletes, and mission.

A Huge Thanks to BJ’s Wholesale Club

We are incredibly grateful to be selected as one of BJ’s Wholesale Club's "40 for 40" recipients in celebration of its 40th anniversary. 

2024 State Fall Classic

More than 1,000 athletes and Unified partners from across the state came to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to compete in six different sports.

Sallarulo’s Race for Champions Draws Nearly 700 Participants

The 5K run/walk, founded by Paul Sallarulo, celebrated its 19th year of supporting our athletes. 

Supporting Our Mission in Orlando and Pensacola

Special Olympics Florida supporters in two different cities came together for a day of unity, purpose, and acceptance for this year's Race For Inclusion.

Celebrating Courage, Bravery, and Determination at the 2024 Champions Gala

Special Olympics Florida honored the athletes, volunteers, and partners who make its work possible at a spectacular gala featuring music, dancing, and fellowship. The Champions Gala, presented by Publix, was held at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

Standing for Inclusion

As part of the 2024 Race for Inclusion campaign, Special Olympics Florida recently hosted a “Sponsor Social” at Komodo Miami in South Florida. The event brought together Special Olympics Florida supporters for a celebration of inclusion and acceptance.

Making a Splash at the Swim for Inclusion

Open-water swimmers from across Central Florida and beyond came to Orlando to be part of Special Olympics Florida’s Swim for Inclusion.

Racing for Inclusion in Jacksonville

We kicked off our annual Race for Inclusion in Jacksonville, a 5K run/walk on the CSX campus. The event was a huge success, drawing nearly 400 participants and raising over $85,000 to support Special Olympics Florida athletes!

Hangin’ 10

More than 110 athletes from 15 counties across Florida flocked to Cocoa Beach for Special Olympics Florida’s State Surfing Competition.

The Road to Inclusion

As part of our Race for Inclusion initiative, Special Olympics Florida held its second panel discussion focusing on the transportation needs of people with intellectual disabilities.

Unified Fore Joy

Join Special Olympics Florida for the biggest day of inclusive golf in the world!  Unified Fore Joy is a collaborative fundraising event happening across the United States and the United Kingdom on September 27.

Major League Soccer Unified All-Star Game

MLS collaborates with Special Olympics organizations across the country to promote inclusion and form Unified teams. Our Florida partners are Inter Miami CF and Orlando City Soccer.

Hearing Clearly Again

With the help of Special Olympics Florida, Monroe County athlete Jennifer Averette will be receiving new, state-of-the-art hearing aids.

Tune In to our TV Show

Our latest episode will be airing on FanDuel Sports Sun through December 2024.

DentaQuest Brightens Smiles at State Summer Games

We are incredibly grateful to the dozens of dental volunteers who take such great care of our athletes.  DentaQuest, a statewide Supporting Sponsor, provided hygienists and dentists at Special Smiles screenings.



Publix Bowl-A-Thon Strikes it Big

From April through June, thousands of Publix associates take part in more than 50 bowling events to support our athletes.

Race for Inclusion Speaker Series Tackles Healthcare Challenges

Special Olympics Florida and Orlando Health hosted the first in a series of panel discussions focusing on the needs of people with intellectual disabilities.

Celebrating Disability Pride Month

The observance commemorates the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act – the landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, and access to services. We look forward to highlighting stories of some of our remarkable athletes during the month of July

July Campaign: Round Up for Charity

Talk of the Town Restaurant Group is one of our long-time sponsors, supporting annual fundraising campaigns to improve the lives of our athletes and their families, like the Round Up for Charity campaign happening during July.



The Gift of Golf

THE PLAYERS Championship awarded Special Olympics Florida’s Northeast Region 24 sets of golf clubs for local athletes.

Another Four-Star Rating

Special Olympics Florida has once again received a four-star rating – the highest possible – from Charity Navigator. 

Athletes Sign Contracts with Jacksonville Jaguars

More than 60 athletes had a great time at the 6th annual Special Olympics Florida Fantasy Camp.

Vote today to make coach the Jr. NBA Coach of the Year!

Jessica Hontz has been selected as the 2024 Orlando Magic Jr. NBA Scholastic Coach of the Year!  Now let's help her be a national winner too.

An Inspiring Kickoff to Race for Inclusion

Our Race for Inclusion Miami is off to a great start following a terrific kickoff event hosted by Truluck’s Miami, one of South Florida’s most celebrated restaurants.

Triathletes Compete on the World Stage

Let’s hear it for the incredible Special Olympics Florida athletes who competed recently at an international triathlon in Slovakia!

2024 State Summer Games

Congratulations to the athletes and Unified partners who competed recently in the 2024 Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games. The annual event drew more than 2,300 participants and featured seven sports at two world-class venues.

Special Olympics Florida and Orlando Health Announce Five-Year Partnership

Special Olympics Florida has announced a new, five-year agreement with Orlando Health, continuing a partnership that first began in 2019. The organization has been a dedicated supporter of our athletes, and we are thrilled it has chosen to continue this remarkable partnership.


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