Voluntter Spotlight: Joshua Payne

To celebrate National Volunteer Month, Special Olympics Florida is spotlighting some of the dedicated volunteers who make our work possible.

Name: Joshua Payne
County: Hillsborough County

Volunteer Roles and Experience:
I have been volunteering with Special Olympics Florida for a couple of years and first started by volunteering with the Healthy Athletes at the State games. My roles have included teaching athletes about healthy eating, hydration, and meal planning to support their performance and overall well-being.

I have also helped at other events, engaging with athletes, coaches, and families.

Why I Volunteer:
I volunteer because I love being part of a community that is so accepting and supportive. Everyone— athletes, coaches, families, and volunteers — comes together with a willingness to learn from and encourage one another. It’s a space where effort is celebrated, and everyone is valued for what they bring. Seeing the athletes' enthusiasm and how they apply what they learn makes it all worthwhile. It’s rewarding to share knowledge in a way that helps them feel more confident in making choices that support their health and performance.