This year's inductees are athletes, coaches, and volunteers who embody the spirit of Special Olympics Florida, and who champion the principles of inclusion and acceptance. They are individuals who lift up those around them and carry Special Olympics Florida’s message throughout the state.

Broward County athlete Kellie Matthew headed to Italy this week to compete in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.

Members of the Special Olympics Florida community attended the Florida Panthers game against the Edmonton Oilers.

Polk County athlete Briana Sheffield is inspired by her mother, Carolyn Sheffield.

Columbia County athlete Travis Ford is inspired by his father and coach, Kelvin Ford.

It’s been almost two weeks since Super Bowl LIX, but Special Olympics Florida Athlete Leader Malcom Harris-Gowdie is still buzzing about covering the game as a credentialed reporter.

Leon County athlete Ashley Harrell is inspired by her longtime mentor Anika Fields.

Our annual Polar Plunge at Aquatica Orlando was a huge success as we celebrated our fundraising event's 15th anniversary.

Special Olympics Florida is best known for its sports training and competitions, but we are equally committed to ensuring our athletes have access to high quality healthcare.

Broward County athlete Peter Reece is inspired by his mother Jo-Ann Reece.

This annual event was filled with activities for athletes, students, and special guests, including ESPN’s Miami Dolphins reporter Marcel Louis-Jacques.

Special Olympics Florida Athlete Leader Monica Hernandez appeared on WESH 2 in Orlando this week to discuss Polar Plunge.

Escambia County athlete Stacy Barnes is inspired by her mentor and coach Regina Williams. 

Malcom Harris-Gowdie is heading back to the Super Bowl, and this year he’ll be reporting from inside the stadium during the game.

Several Special Olympics Florida athletes had the opportunity to star in a film exploring friendship and autism, called “Lights, Camera, Friendship!”

Tyler Boyd is headed to the 2025 Pro Bowl Games after being named an “NFL PLAY 60 Super Kid.”

The accomplishments of the Immokalee High School Unified flag football team were highlighted recently by FOX 4 in Cape Coral.

We just wrapped up this year’s campaign and are grateful to Publix, Procter & Gamble, and all who participated.

Chief Operating Officer Meghan McLean and Athlete Leader Juliette Soos talked about the ongoing Torch Icon Campaign at Publix.

Southwest Miami Senior High School kicked off the new year in a big way, celebrating its designation as an ESPN Unified Champion National Banner School!

Special Olympics Florida is thrilled to announce that Shania Williams has been named the Don Taft Athlete of the Year.

Our annual Torch Icon Campaign at Publix is receiving some high-profile media attention from News4Jax in northeast Florida.

A year-end message from Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock.

This year brought people together across Florida to celebrate inclusion and support our athletes. With record-breaking participation, impactful partnerships and inspiring stories, this year’s campaign highlighted the power of unity in creating a more inclusive world.

The leaders of Special Olympics Florida joined executives from two other nonprofit organizations to celebrate Orlando Health’s “We Build” apprenticeship and employment program.

On December 3, Unified Champion Schools across the state came together to celebrate inclusion and raise money to support their Unified programs. And hundreds turned out for the Race for Inclusion – Gainesville at UF on December 7.

We often say that athletes are the best ambassadors of the Special Olympics Florida mission, and Escambia County’s Danelle Shavers just proves the point.

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.

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

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.