News


Athlete Headed to the Boston Marathon

Indian River County athlete Zach Stambaugh has qualified to run in the world-famous Boston Marathon in April.

It's Official

Duval County athlete Caleb Prewitt is now a Guinness World Records holder!

Making a Splash at the Polar Plunge

Thank you to our friends at Adventure Island and to all the teams who turned out to support our athletes!

Florida Athlete Shines Bright at World Games

Kellie Matthew captured two gold medals in Alpine skiing at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

New Hall of Fame Members

This year's inductees are athletes, coaches, and volunteers who embody the spirit of Special Olympics Florida, and who champion the principles of inclusion and acceptance. They are individuals who lift up those around them and carry Special Olympics Florida’s message throughout the state.

Going for Gold at the World Winter Games

Broward County athlete Kellie Matthew headed to Italy this week to compete in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.

Game On!

Members of the Special Olympics Florida community attended the Florida Panthers game against the Edmonton Oilers.

Black History Month: Showing Respect

Polk County athlete Briana Sheffield is inspired by her mother, Carolyn Sheffield.

Black History Month: “He has always encouraged me to do my best”

Columbia County athlete Travis Ford is inspired by his father and coach, Kelvin Ford.

Believe in yourself

It’s been almost two weeks since Super Bowl LIX, but Special Olympics Florida Athlete Leader Malcom Harris-Gowdie is still buzzing about covering the game as a credentialed reporter.

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.

Torch Icon Campaign

We just wrapped up this year’s campaign and are grateful to Publix, Procter & Gamble, and all who participated.

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.

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.

Learn more about your local program.

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