Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day

Caleb Prewitt has been part of Special Olympics Florida for 12 years, starting with our Young Athletes program. Now 15, he competes in seven sports, including equestrian, golf, and triathlon.

A resident of Jacksonville, Caleb will represent Team Florida at the upcoming 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. He is the youngest member of the triathlon team and the youngest person with Down syndrome to complete a full-sprint triathlon. He came to the sport relatively recently after being inspired by Special Olympics Florida triathlete Chris Nikic. The two struck up a friendship, with Chris serving as a mentor to Caleb.

Caleb is already a gold medal winner who’s participated in the State Summer Games and the State Fall Classic. He loves competing, but his parents say Special Olympics Florida’s real benefit has been giving Caleb a place to feel included and accepted.

“He’s made lifelong friends … with Special Olympics,” says his mom, Karen. “Teammates of all abilities, wonderful, dedicated coaches, and of course all the amazing volunteers.”

Those relationships have improved Caleb’s social skills and confidence. He serves as a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador, was featured in our annual Publix fundraising campaign, and has amassed a following of more than 34,000 on Instagram.