News


July Campaign: Round Up for Charity

Talk of the Town Restaurant Group is one of our long-time sponsors, supporting annual fundraising campaigns to improve the lives of our athletes and their families, like the Round Up for Charity campaign happening during July.

A Wish Come True

Fifteen Special Olympics Florida athletes and Unified partners are now in Germany for the 2023 Special Olympics World Games. 

2023 State Summer Games

Some 1,500 athletes and 300 Unified partners from across Florida came to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for two days of competition in six different sports -- athletics, bocce, cheerleading, cycling, soccer, and volleyball.

Health Champions Honored at State Summer Games

Special Olympics Florida honored two individuals for their pioneering work in meeting the healthcare needs of people with intellectual disabilities.

State Tennis Championships and Pickleball Invitational

We had two amazing days of competition at the 2023 State Tennis Championships and Pickleball Invitational last, with some 200 athletes turning out to show off their skills.

Torch Run Makes its Way to Lake County

The Law Enforcement Torch Run season is in full swing, and this week, runners came out to our headquarters in Clermont for the Lake County leg.

2023 Sunshine Bowl

This year’s event drew more than 30 teams in the flag football tournament, nearly 100 participants at our cheer clinic, and 150 players at the Jack in the Club evening event.  We are so grateful to everyone who made it possible!

21st annual Special Olympics Florida Golf Classic


We are incredibly grateful to the more than 300 golfers who took on the course at ChampionsGate Golf Club in Central Florida.

Pasco Athlete Runs Boston Marathon

Marlynne Stutzman ran the world-famous Boston Marathon. Her story was featured on FOX13 Tampa Bay.

Champion Volunteers Honored at Area 7 Games

These award winners truly embody the mission of Special Olympics Florida.  They are champions of inclusion, they understand the power of sports, and they have committed themselves to building a better world for people with intellectual disabilities. 

Law Enforcement Torch Run Races into Florida Capitol

More than 400 officers from agencies in the Tallahassee area participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run that finished at the Old Capitol Courtyard.

Saddling Up at State Equestrian

About 150 athletes saddled up on April 7 and April 8 for the annual State Equestrian Championship in Ocala. 




“We All Have Our Talents”

In recognition of National Volunteer Month, we honor the commitment of Kate Hickie and her volunteer career spanning more than 40 years.

Athletes Take on Caribbean Open Water Swim

Two Special Olympics Florida athletes and a Unified partner took part in the annual Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim, a 4.1 kilometer open-water swim in the Caribbean.

Polar Plunge Tampa Bay

The Adventure Island Plunge drew hundreds of plungers eager to get Freezin’ for a Reason.

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day

Duval County athlete Bryce Montgomery visited News4Jax for an in-studio interview.

UCF Police and Dunkin’ Team Up

As part of a fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Florida, officers with the University of Central Florida Police Department delivered donuts to UCF students, faculty and staff.

Celebrating the MacDonald Training Center

We congratulate the MacDonald Training Center in Tampa on its 70th anniversary of providing much-needed services to people with intellectual and other disabilities.  

SPREAD THE WORD >> INCLUSION

On our annual awareness day, students pledged to create communities of inclusion –- where all people are treated with the respect and compassion that everyone deserves.

Inclusive Leadership Training

More than 100 student leaders and faculty members participated in our South Florida Youth Summit at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

A VIP Experience

Orlando Health, the PGA TOUR, and the Arnold Palmer Invitational teamed up to create a VIP experience for Special Olympics Florida athlete Michael Ladieu.

Amazin’ Mets Create Amazin’ Day for Athletes

The Mets Spring Training clinic gave our athletes a chance to work on their game, mingle with Mets players, collect some autographs and grab a few photos.

In recognition of Black History Month

Gadsden County athlete Robert Jackson spoke about his career and about the leaders who have inspired him.

Athlete Reporting from the Big Game

Special Olympics Florida athlete Malcom Harris-Gowdie is living out his dream this week, working as a broadcaster at Super Bowl Media Row in Phoenix. 

2023 Swimming Invitational

Athletes competed in the two-day event, which was rescheduled after being postponed by hurricanes last fall.

Remembering Harvey L. Massey

We mourn the passing of Philanthropist & Entrepreneur Harvey Massey and extend condolences to his family.

Meet the 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees

We recognize and celebrate the champions who have dedicated themselves to building a world of inclusion and acceptance.

Special Olympics Florida Athletes Headed to the World Games

The Special Olympics World Games are coming, and Special Olympics Florida athletes will be there!

Lighting the Torch at Publix

The annual Torch Icon Campaign kicked off this week at Publix Super Markets all across Florida and runs through January 22.


Tallahassee Media Profiles Hall of Fame Members

WCTV (CBS) and WTXL (ABC) spoke with Robert Jackson and Melba Jacobs, describing their long history with Special Olympics Florida.

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