News


Special Olympics Florida earns coveted 4-star rating for eighth year in a row

Recognized for its strong financial health and commitment to accountability by Charity Navigator, Special Olympics Florida ranks in top 6% of charitable organizations rated nationwide.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Treats Athlete to Resort Getaway

Special Olympics Florida athlete Roan Luallen and his family got the royal treatment before the recent State Tennis Championships. 

Special Olympics College Club at UF Named National Champions

Competing against colleges and universities from across the country, the Gators took home the top prize

Congratulations Chris!

Triathlete Chris Nikic won the prestigious Laureus Award for Sporting Moment of the Year!

In The News!

Sarasota’s ABC7 News at 7 interviewed Ken and Tim to highlight our new specialty license plate and how others can get involved in our year-round programs and initiatives.

Volunteers Help Us Offer Sports and Socialization Opportunities

Points of Light -- the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service -- showcases the work of Special Olympics Florida volunteers.

Brave in the Attempt

Launching a new Special Olympics Florida podcast.

Celebrating National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month, but at Special Olympics Florida, we recognize the importance of volunteers every day of the year!

ESPN Releases SC Featured Film Following Chris Nikic

In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, the short film features his journey to become the first person with Down syndrome to complete a full IRONMAN Triathlon.

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day

CBS 10 Tampa Bay spoke with Special Olympics Florida athlete Mary Frances from Hillsborough County.

Unified Partner Speaks About Race for Inclusion

Unified partner Logan Alvarez appeared on NBC 6 in South Florida to promote our new campaign.

Special Olympics Athlete Receives Encouraging Words from Professional Golfer

Kenyatta Johnson had no trouble recognizing Rickie Fowler when he surprised the woman he called his “fellow Olympian” with a video message.

Race for Inclusion Campaign Launches on National Spread the Word Day

Our nine-month challenge to unite communities and athletes across the state and spread a message of inclusion.

Betty Marshall’s life of service spans over four decades

"Our mission to foster respect and acceptance has enabled athletes from across the state to imagine and achieve remarkable things."

Ironman Chris Nikic Gives Us a Welcome Reason to Cheer

Special Olympics Florida athlete is a Finalist for Orlando Sentinel's 2020 Central Floridian of the Year.

A Virtual Celebration

As we count down to 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, big announcements and appearances by special guests bring excitement to all.

Torch Icon Campaign

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

"Call To Action" Initiative

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Cameron Brate surprises one of our athletes.

Kicking off the Torch Icon Campaign at Publix

Athlete Caleb Prewitt and his mom Karen helped spread the word.

An Extraordinary Year

A year-end message from Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock.

2020 Annual Leadership Awards

Celebrating those who inspire us and embody the spirit of Special Olympics.

NFL Shows Their Support for Special Olympics

The NFL celebrated its fourth annual "My Cause, My Cleats" campaign during Week 14 of the NFL season.

The Sports Illustrated Awards

The accolades keep piling up for Special Olympics Florida triathlete Chris Nikic.

Meet This Year's Hall of Fame Inductees

Three champions who have dedicated themselves to building a world of inclusion and acceptance.

Challenge Daytona

Members of Special Olympics Florida triathlon team tackled the sprint triathlon.

Cyclist Completes Virtual Trip Across America!

Billy Klingensmith has cycled an astonishing 3,521 miles as part of the Amerithon Challenge.

Theme Announced for Spread the Word Campaign

At the very root of inclusion is the crucial need for connection.

Florida Triathlon Team

First athletes announced to represent Team Florida at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

Local Hero Award Recipient

Chris Nikic is honored for his tireless work to create a more accepting and inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities.

Chris Nikic Shatters Stereotypes

He makes history as the first Special Olympics athlete and person with Down syndrome to be an IRONMAN.

Learn more about your local program.

Interactive state map