South Florida Student Forms Club to Support Special Olympics Florida
High school junior Charley Ross has founded a student-led club at her school to promote inclusive spaces and foster connections with people with intellectual disabilities.
Florida Athlete Performs at Miss America Pageant
Special Olympics Florida athlete and musical prodigy Ethan Olaes recently took the stage to perform at the Miss America pageant in West Palm Beach’s Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and Convention Center, showcasing his extraordinary talent.
Fit Feet Screening Helps Athlete Get Crucial Care
Central Region athlete Shawn Squires recently received critical medical care thanks to a recommendation from Healthy Athletes.
Celebrate a New School Year with Unified Champion Schools!
School is back in session, and we are thrilled to celebrate our Unified Champion Schools program. With more than 500 participating schools statewide, this initiative is transforming campuses by bringing together students of all abilities.
August is Make-A-Will Month
If you're not sure where to start when planning your will, that's okay! The Special Olympics Florida Foundation is sharing news with you from Special Olympics about free resources from their partners at Giving Docs that will help families plan with confidence, and protect the people and causes you care about most.
Dutch Bros Give Back Day
On July 31, Dutch
Bros and its 35 locations across Florida are coming together for a
give-back campaign supporting our mission. They will
donate $1 from every single drink sold to Special Olympics Florida.
Team Florida Turns in Gold-Medal Performance at USA Games
Our
athletes delivered on the playing field and off, representing the very
best of the Special Olympics spirit. Across 16 different sports, their
performances were record-breaking, and their dedication to their
teammates was inspiring.
Triathletes Shine on the International Stage in Slovakia
Athletes competed at the 5th Special Olympics
European Open Triathlon Competition, held in Šamorín, Slovakia, bringing together athletes from
around the world to compete in swimming, cycling, and running while
celebrating determination, sportsmanship, and inclusion.
Laceeze Supports Team Florida Athletes at USA Games
Special Olympics Florida is grateful for the generous support of Laceeze, whose innovative shoe bands helped Team Florida athletes compete with confidence at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Brian West: A Champion of the Special Olympics Florida Movement
The Special Olympics Florida community is heartbroken by the passing of Publix Community Relations Manager Brian West.
Team Florida Athletes Celebrate Opening of Special Olympics USA Games
Special Olympics Florida athletes received an enthusiastic send-off from Orlando International Airport as they departed on June 19, for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.
Bound for Minnesota: Athletes Head to USA Games
About 200 athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and staff representing Special Olympics Florida were cheered on at Orlando International Airport as they departed for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Tune In: 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Representing
all 50 states, nearly 3,000 athletes supported by 1,500 coaches will
compete across 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. Tune in to watch all the excitement and cheer on Team Florida!
Download the Champions App
You can keep up with all the action of the
2026 Special Olympics USA Games and follow Team Florida
by downloading the “Champions App.”
Athletes in the News
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.