2022 State Summer Games
Congratulations
to all the athletes and coaches who participated in our 2022 State Summer
Games on May 20 and 21.
The
competition included more than 1,400 athletes and 375 Unified partners
from across the state. Held at the magnificent ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the Games featured competitions in a full slate of sports,
including athletics (track and field), bocce,
cheerleading,
cycling,
soccer,
softball throw, and volleyball.
When they weren’t competing, athletes spent their time laughing, hanging out with teammates and making new friends from other counties. They also attended Healthy Athletes screenings, thanks to our friends at Orlando Health. Cecelia Rodriguez, a Brevard County athlete who participated in the 25-meter and 50-meter assisted walk, said having the chance to socialize was every bit as important as competing. “It’s just been so nice to be with everyone,” she said.
We also marked the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics Florida and honored our Hall of Fame members with a dinner and reception Friday evening. Former Special Olympics Florida Board President Marilyn Grigsby described the early days of our organization, and fellow Hall of Famer John Brown marveled at the opportunities we have provided athletes over the past 50 years. “Some
of our athletes had never been outside Columbia County,” said Brown, a
2005 Hall of Fame inductee. “But Special Olympics helped them go new
places and meet new people. And that’s so important.”
A huge thank you to ESPN Wide World of Sports for hosting the Games and to Publix for serving as the Premier Sponsor.
View the photo gallery of our
State Summer Games competition
View the photo gallery of our 50th Anniversary Hall of Fame VIP Reception.
