Fifteen Special Olympics Florida athletes and Unified partners are now in Germany for the 2023 Special Olympics World Games.
2023 State Summer Games
Some 1,500 athletes and 300 Unified partners from across Florida came to
the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for two days of competition in six different sports -- athletics,
bocce, cheerleading, cycling, soccer, and volleyball.
Health Champions Honored at State Summer Games
Special Olympics Florida
honored two individuals for their pioneering work in meeting the
healthcare needs of people with intellectual disabilities.
State Tennis Championships and Pickleball Invitational
We had two amazing days of competition at the 2023 State Tennis
Championships and Pickleball Invitational last, with some 200
athletes turning out to show off their skills.
Torch Run Makes its Way to Lake County
The
Law Enforcement Torch Run season is in full swing, and this week, runners came out to our headquarters in Clermont
for the Lake County leg.
2023 Sunshine Bowl
This year’s event drew more than 30 teams in the flag football tournament, nearly 100 participants at our cheer clinic, and 150 players at
the Jack in the Club evening event. We are so grateful to everyone who made it possible!
21st annual Special Olympics Florida Golf Classic
We are
incredibly grateful to the more than 300 golfers who took on the course
at ChampionsGate Golf Club in Central Florida.
Pasco Athlete Runs Boston Marathon
Marlynne Stutzman ran the world-famous Boston Marathon. Her story was featured on FOX13 Tampa Bay.
Champion Volunteers Honored at Area 7 Games
These award winners truly embody the mission of Special Olympics Florida. They are champions of inclusion, they understand the power of sports, and they have committed themselves to building a better world for people with intellectual disabilities.
Law Enforcement Torch Run Races into Florida Capitol
More than 400 officers from agencies in the Tallahassee area
participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run that finished at the Old Capitol Courtyard.
Saddling Up at State Equestrian
About 150 athletes saddled up on April 7 and April 8 for the annual State Equestrian Championship in Ocala.
“We All Have Our Talents”
In recognition of National Volunteer Month, we honor the commitment of
Kate Hickie
and her volunteer career spanning more than 40 years.
Athletes Take on Caribbean Open Water Swim
Two Special Olympics Florida athletes and a Unified partner took part in the annual Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim, a 4.1 kilometer open-water swim in the Caribbean.
Polar Plunge Tampa Bay
The Adventure Island Plunge drew hundreds of plungers eager to get Freezin’ for a Reason.
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day
Duval County athlete Bryce Montgomery visited News4Jax for an in-studio interview.
UCF Police and Dunkin’ Team Up
As
part of a fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Florida, officers with
the University of Central Florida Police Department delivered donuts to
UCF students, faculty and staff.
Celebrating the MacDonald Training Center
We congratulate the MacDonald Training Center in Tampa on its 70th anniversary of providing much-needed services to people with intellectual and other disabilities.
SPREAD THE WORD >> INCLUSION
On our annual awareness day, students pledged to create communities of inclusion –- where all
people are treated with the respect and compassion that everyone
deserves.
Inclusive Leadership Training
More than 100 student leaders and faculty members participated in our South Florida Youth Summit at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
A VIP Experience
Orlando Health, the PGA TOUR, and the Arnold
Palmer Invitational teamed up to create a VIP experience
for Special Olympics Florida athlete Michael Ladieu.
Amazin’ Mets Create Amazin’ Day for Athletes
The Mets
Spring Training clinic gave our athletes a chance to
work on their game, mingle with Mets players, collect some autographs
and grab a few photos.
In recognition of Black History Month
Gadsden County
athlete Robert Jackson spoke about his career and about the leaders who have inspired him.
Athlete Reporting from the Big Game
Special
Olympics Florida athlete Malcom Harris-Gowdie is living out his dream
this week, working as a broadcaster at Super Bowl Media Row in Phoenix.
2023 Swimming Invitational
Athletes competed in the two-day event,
which was rescheduled after being postponed by hurricanes last fall.
Remembering Harvey L. Massey
We mourn the passing of Philanthropist & Entrepreneur Harvey Massey and extend condolences to his family.
Meet the 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees
We recognize and celebrate the champions who have dedicated themselves to building a world of inclusion and acceptance.
Special Olympics Florida Athletes Headed to the World Games
The Special Olympics World Games are coming, and Special Olympics Florida athletes will be there!
Lighting the Torch at Publix
The annual Torch Icon Campaign
kicked off this week at Publix Super Markets all across Florida and runs through January 22.
Tallahassee Media Profiles Hall of Fame Members
WCTV (CBS) and WTXL (ABC)
spoke with
Robert Jackson and Melba Jacobs, describing their long history
with Special Olympics Florida.
Tampa Magazine Spotlights Athlete of the Year Mary Frances Smith
Learn about what motivates Mary Frances and how she’s making her community a better place to live.
