News


Leading Flag Football Organization Lends its Support

The Flag Football World Championship Tour has sanctioned our 2021 Sunshine Bowl, providing a high-profile endorsement from a recognized leader in the world of flag football.

Special Olympics leads the fight for inclusion

To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, USA Today published a long piece on her fight to create a more inclusive and accepting world.  Eunice, the founder of Special Olympics, was inspired by her sister Rosemary, who had intellectual disabilities.

Training Day with the Tampa Bay Bucs

The Super Bowl champions hosted their annual Community Impact Day, welcoming Special Olympics Florida athletes and other nonprofit groups to their training camp.

Short Film Winner

Congratulations and a huge thank you to Grace Cowan, a rising sophomore at The First Academy in Orlando.

A paddleboard journey

Broward County athlete Layla Crehan attempted an 80-mile paddleboard event to raise money for cystic fibrosis.

The power of perseverance

What an incredible night! Chris Nikic took home two awards at The 2021 ESPYS, in New York City:  The Jimmy V Award for Perseverance and Best Athlete with a Disability.

Announcing two new locations

Milton and the University of Florida in Gainesville will both be hosting Race For Inclusion events on December 4.

Planting a dream

CBS Sunday Morning featured Caleb Prewitt as he pursues his own triathlon journey with the help of his mentor Chris Nikic.

Athlete Ambassador is example of inclusion

Tristen Bresnahan was featured on WESH 2 News (Orlando) discussing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Brave in the Attempt, Episode 2

The latest edition of our Special Olympics Florida podcast has just been released.

track star shows he can ‘do anything anybody else can do’

Being born with spina bifida, Homestead High senior Syrus Dawkins never let his condition keep him from enjoying the thrill of racing on a track.

One Year Countdown

Special Olympics Florida and Special Olympics USA Games staged a series of events around the state to tell athletes they were headed to the Games.

Special Olympics Florida earns coveted 4-star rating for eighth year in a row

Recognized for its strong financial health and commitment to accountability by Charity Navigator, Special Olympics Florida ranks in top 6% of charitable organizations rated nationwide.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Treats Athlete to Resort Getaway

Special Olympics Florida athlete Roan Luallen and his family got the royal treatment before the recent State Tennis Championships. 

Special Olympics College Club at UF Named National Champions

Competing against colleges and universities from across the country, the Gators took home the top prize

Congratulations Chris!

Triathlete Chris Nikic won the prestigious Laureus Award for Sporting Moment of the Year!

In The News!

Sarasota’s ABC7 News at 7 interviewed Ken and Tim to highlight our new specialty license plate and how others can get involved in our year-round programs and initiatives.

Volunteers Help Us Offer Sports and Socialization Opportunities

Points of Light -- the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service -- showcases the work of Special Olympics Florida volunteers.

Brave in the Attempt

Launching a new Special Olympics Florida podcast.

Celebrating National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month, but at Special Olympics Florida, we recognize the importance of volunteers every day of the year!

ESPN Releases SC Featured Film Following Chris Nikic

In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, the short film features his journey to become the first person with Down syndrome to complete a full IRONMAN Triathlon.

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day

CBS 10 Tampa Bay spoke with Special Olympics Florida athlete Mary Frances from Hillsborough County.

Unified Partner Speaks About Race for Inclusion

Unified partner Logan Alvarez appeared on NBC 6 in South Florida to promote our new campaign.

Special Olympics Athlete Receives Encouraging Words from Professional Golfer

Kenyatta Johnson had no trouble recognizing Rickie Fowler when he surprised the woman he called his “fellow Olympian” with a video message.

Race for Inclusion Campaign Launches on National Spread the Word Day

Our nine-month challenge to unite communities and athletes across the state and spread a message of inclusion.

Betty Marshall’s life of service spans over four decades

"Our mission to foster respect and acceptance has enabled athletes from across the state to imagine and achieve remarkable things."

Ironman Chris Nikic Gives Us a Welcome Reason to Cheer

Special Olympics Florida athlete is a Finalist for Orlando Sentinel's 2020 Central Floridian of the Year.

A Virtual Celebration

As we count down to 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, big announcements and appearances by special guests bring excitement to all.

Torch Icon Campaign

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

"Call To Action" Initiative

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Cameron Brate surprises one of our athletes.

Learn more about your local program.

Interactive state map