2024 Champions Gala: Celebrating Courage, Bravery, and Determination
Special Olympics Florida honored the athletes, volunteers, and partners who make its mission possible at its 2024 Champions Gala.
More than 400 guests celebrated the achievements of Special Olympics Florida athletes and reaffirmed their commitment to building a world where people with intellectual disabilities are treated with dignity and respect. The 2024 gala, presented by Publix, was held at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.
Hillsborough County athlete Chris McDarby was recognized at the gala as the 2024 Athlete of the Year. Chris was honored for his decades of athletic excellence, his work in the community, and his unfailing support of fellow athletes.
“The Special Olympics Florida mission is an important part of my life,” McDarby said in his acceptance speech. “Together, we are showing the world that Special Olympics Florida athletes have many talents and make the world a better place.”
Elizabeth Dager of Miami-Dade was named Coach of the Year, and the Florida Department of Education received the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award.
The evening was hosted by Meredith McDonough and Jim Payne. McDonough is a well-known Central Florida TV journalist and Special Olympics Florida Board Member. Payne is a retired TV journalist and former Board Member.
The evening was made possible by the support of our generous partners, including: Publix Super Markets, Anheuser-Busch, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Walt Disney World Resort, American Holtzkraft, Fanatics, Greenberg Traurig, Momentec Brands, TD Bank, Travel + Leisure, Truist, and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
Click on the links below to watch our gala videos:
Courage, Bravery, and Determination Video
