News


Black History Month: Honoring Our Mentors

Leon County athlete Ashley Harrell is inspired by her longtime mentor Anika Fields.

Taking the Plunge

Our annual Polar Plunge at Aquatica Orlando was a huge success as we celebrated our fundraising event's 15th anniversary.

Healthy Athletes are Happier Athletes

Special Olympics Florida is best known for its sports training and competitions, but we are equally committed to ensuring our athletes have access to high quality healthcare.

Honoring Black Role Models: “She never lets me settle”

Broward County athlete Peter Reece is inspired by his mother Jo-Ann Reece.

Gathering in Miami for the Youth Summit

This annual event was filled with activities for athletes, students, and special guests, including ESPN’s Miami Dolphins reporter Marcel Louis-Jacques.

Prepare to Take the Plunge

Special Olympics Florida Athlete Leader Monica Hernandez appeared on WESH 2 in Orlando this week to discuss Polar Plunge.

Celebrating Black History

Escambia County athlete Stacy Barnes is inspired by her mentor and coach Regina Williams. 

St. Lucie Athlete is Super Bowl Bound

Malcom Harris-Gowdie is heading back to the Super Bowl, and this year he’ll be reporting from inside the stadium during the game.


Athletes Featured in New Documentary

Several Special Olympics Florida athletes had the opportunity to star in a film exploring friendship and autism, called “Lights, Camera, Friendship!”

Special Olympics Florida Athlete Honored by the NFL

Tyler Boyd is headed to the 2025 Pro Bowl Games after being named an “NFL PLAY 60 Super Kid.”

Unified Team Featured

The accomplishments of the Immokalee High School Unified flag football team were highlighted recently by FOX 4 in Cape Coral.

WESH 2 News in Orlando Helps Light the Torch

Chief Operating Officer Meghan McLean and Athlete Leader Juliette Soos talked about the ongoing Torch Icon Campaign at Publix.

Miami School Named National Banner School

Southwest Miami Senior High School kicked off the new year in a big way, celebrating its designation as an ESPN Unified Champion National Banner School!

South Florida Athlete Receives Don Taft Award

Special Olympics Florida is thrilled to announce that Shania Williams has been named the Don Taft Athlete of the Year.

News4Jax Highlights Torch Icon Campaign at Publix

Our annual Torch Icon Campaign at Publix is receiving some high-profile media attention from News4Jax in northeast Florida.

Tune In to our TV Show

Our latest episode will be airing on FanDuel Sports Sun through February 2025.

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.

Jabil Highlighted as Sponsor of Unified Sports in West Coast Region

This partnership highlights Jabil’s continued dedication and commitment to fostering inclusion, both on the field and in the workplace.

Florida Athletes Power U.S. Team to Win in Iceland

Congratulations to John David Haywood and C.J. Panatieri, who won individual medals and helped lead the United States Team to a first-place victory at the 2024 World Open Powerlifting Championships in Iceland.

Florida Media Taking Notice

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

A Huge Thanks to BJ’s Wholesale Club

We are incredibly grateful to be selected as one of BJ’s Wholesale Club's "40 for 40" recipients in celebration of its 40th anniversary. 

2024 State Fall Classic

More than 1,000 athletes and Unified partners from across the state came to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to compete in six different sports.

Sallarulo’s Race for Champions Draws Nearly 700 Participants

The 5K run/walk, founded by Paul Sallarulo, celebrated its 19th year of supporting our athletes. 

Supporting Our Mission in Orlando and Pensacola

Special Olympics Florida supporters in two different cities came together for a day of unity, purpose, and acceptance for this year's Race For Inclusion.

Celebrating Courage, Bravery, and Determination at the 2024 Champions Gala

Special Olympics Florida honored the athletes, volunteers, and partners who make its work possible at a spectacular gala featuring music, dancing, and fellowship. The Champions Gala, presented by Publix, was held at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

Standing for Inclusion

As part of the 2024 Race for Inclusion campaign, Special Olympics Florida recently hosted a “Sponsor Social” at Komodo Miami in South Florida. The event brought together Special Olympics Florida supporters for a celebration of inclusion and acceptance.


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