Athletes and Volunteer Named as Florida Heroes

Three members of the Special Olympics Florida community were honored recently by Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis as part of the Florida Heroes’ program.

Athletes Marlynne Stutzman (Pasco County) and Adrienne Bunn (Marion County) were recognized along with volunteer Competition Director Wynne McFarlin.

Marlynne and Adrienne are triathletes who made history last year when they completed the IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii. Adrienne finished first in her division and became the youngest person with autism to complete the race. Marlynne, meanwhile, became the first person with autism to run the Boston Marathon and finish a full IRONMAN.

Wynne McFarlin was the driving force behind the creation of the Special Olympics Florida triathlon program several years ago. A triathlete herself, Wynne has worked tirelessly to promote the sport and introduce it to the athletes of Special Olympics Florida.

The Florida Heroes’ awards recognize individuals for their contributions to others and for exhibiting exceptional courage, compassion, and resilience.