Special Olympics Florida

More than 500 athletes and Unified partners competed in 19 sports at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games!

January 10-19, 2025

For 45 years, Publix and P&G have been committed to supporting Special Olympics and its athletes. Your purchase of a Special Olympics paper torch will help us continue our mission. Your donation includes valuable coupons on select P&G products.

Athletes

Athletes are the heart of our movement. We offer year-round sports training and competition for all abilities and at no cost to the athlete or their families!

Making a difference in Florida

It takes all of us to create a world of inclusion — athletes, volunteers, families, sponsors, coaches, the general public — who are willing to open our minds and hearts and provide new opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Participation

88,960

Volunteers

45,225

Athletes

70,870

Competitions

213

Number of lives changed?  Every one of them!

Features

Torch Icon Campaign

Your support helps Special Olympics athletes and helps you save on your favorite P&G brands while shopping at Publix during our annual campaign. Simply make a donation at the register during check out at your local Publix store.

Polar Plunge

Take the plunge and be a part of the coolest events of the year! Join the fun, help raise funds and win prizes.

Be A Champion

Coaches are superstars who help our athletes learn, grow and improve. Help us build our next generation of volunteer coaches. We'd love to add you to our roster.

Learn more about your local program!

 

Stay In Touch



News, updates and stories!

2024 Was An Extraordinary Year

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

2024 Race for Inclusion: A Year of Empowerment, Inclusion and Impact

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.

We Build: Creating Job Opportunities for Our Athletes

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

Supporting Inclusion in Gainesville and in Schools Around Florida

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.

Escambia County Athlete Sparks New Partnership

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.

Florida Media Taking Notice

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