Special Olympics Florida

We are so grateful to TD Bank, who warmly welcomed athletes into their branches to learn first-hand about their experiences with Special Olympics Florida, and heard their personal stories regarding education, employment, volunteerism, hobbies, and interests. Thank you to the hundreds of bank managers and associates for the time you spent with these remarkable athletes. TD Bank also hosted a summer-long campaign to raise funds to support our 70,000-plus athletes who train and compete all year long. We truly appreciate America’s Most Convenient Bank™ for their long-standing relationship with Special Olympics. THANK YOU for being such outstanding champions for inclusion!

A big thanks to Power Design, Inc. for your amazing support! 🤩 We’re thrilled to see the impact your donation will make on our West Region golf program. Get ready to watch our athletes shine even brighter! ⛳🌟

We recently kicked of our Race for Inclusion–Jacksonville, and we are so grateful to partners like CSX who champion for a world where everyone – regardless of their abilities – is embraced, celebrated, and given the same opportunities to reach their full potential. When you join the Race for Inclusion, you send a powerful message of solidarity and help make dreams come true for people with intellectual disabilities. We hope you'll join us in making a difference at one of the eight events around Florida—become a sponsor or register today for the Race for Inclusion today! Every step matters. www.raceforinclusion.org

It's always a good time for golf, and our friends at Topgolf are supporting Special Olympics Florida through their annual Giving Season – August 1-September 30. So get your swing ready, and visit a Topgolf near you to support our 70,000 athletes. Guests can donate to our mission at any location in Florida, purchase a $5 Law Enforcement Torch Run® Flame Icon, or buy an exclusive Red Glove. And be sure to visit any Topgolf on our special Tip-A-Cop dates – August 3 and September 7. Law enforcement personnel will be working hard (and having fun) as celebrity waiters to collect tips in support of local Special Olympics athletes. We hope you'll swing on in to Topgolf soon! Thank you Topgolf for being a great champion for inclusive sports.

Our pickleball athletes will soon be swinging in style with all new paddles from the incredible team at Quiet Play Paddles. We are so grateful for these customized paddles for more than 300 athletes who will be hitting the courts again this fall. These unique paddles – both lightweight and durable – boast a blend of advanced technologies also used by NASA and the aerospace industry, and an innovative design – that bring elevation to the sport through the use of state-of-the-art materials. With these new paddles, our athletes will have the tools they need to sharpen their skills, foster new friendships, and achieve new milestones. Thank you Quiet Play Paddles for believing in their potential and for being a champion of inclusive sports.

Today marks the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. More than just a law, this landmark legislation has transformed countless lives, and symbolizes our commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and access for people with all types of disabilities. Today we celebrate this day by honoring the progress we've made in creating a more inclusive society. We also recognize the ongoing efforts needed to break down barriers. There's still work to be done, so let's all continue to advocate for accessibility, embrace diversity, and build a world where everyone can thrive. Most of all, THANK YOU to our 70,000 athletes across the state who show the spirit of the ADA every day...on and off the playing field. #ADAAnniversary #ADA #InclusionMatters #DisabilityRights #SpecialOlympicsAthletes #InclusiveSports #ChoosetoInclude #SpecialOlympicsFlorida

Imagine a world where everyone – regardless of their abilities – is embraced, celebrated, and given the same opportunities to reach their full potential. The 2024 Race for Inclusion helps make dreams comes true for people with intellectual disabilities. It’s more than event; it’s a movement where you can take a stand for the dignity and rights of people with ID. When you join the Race for Inclusion, you send a powerful message of solidarity and support – breaking down barriers of prejudice and misunderstanding. It’s a chance to create a more inclusive society…one step at a time. With eight events across the state, there’s one for you, your family, your company – and we’re kicking things off with the first race on September 14 in Jacksonville. Get all the details at raceforinclusion.org, and we’ll see you at the starting line! Your Steps Matter.

Congratulations to our newest group of Global Messengers! These remarkable athletes recently completed extensive training in public speaking and presentation skills to share the message of the Special Olympics movement. On and off the playing field, they are leaders, advocates, and voices of inspiration. Thanks to anchor Meredith McDonough and our friends at WESH 2 CW18 for hosting and mentoring our athletes, as they learned to articulate their experiences, share their stores, and inspire others. Join us in congratulating them as they step into their new roles, make a global impact, and foster a world where every voice is heard and every individual is valued. 

Join us in honoring Eunice Kennedy Shriver today, on what would have been her 103rd birthday. The founder of the Special Olympics movement was a remarkable woman who showed the world the unbridled power of sports and inclusion. Her legacy lives on in every single Special Olympics athlete, and we are proud to continue fostering her vision.

Yesterday we kicked off our 2024 Race for Inclusion Speaker Series with an impactful discussion on the landscape of healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities. Our exceptional panelists shared their personal insights, expertise and experiences in providing care to this underserved population. The conversation was an important step in understanding the barriers faced by patients with ID and sparking meaningful conversation to drive positive change in the healthcare system. Many thanks to Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute for hosting us. As our Official Healthcare Partner for the Healthy Athletes and Young Athletes Programs for the Central Florida and Tampa Bay regions, Orlando Health is a steadfast champion for inclusion and committed to ensuring our athletes have access to the high-quality care. Moderator: Cary D'Ortona | Orlando Health Panelists: Sue Kassoff-Correia, RDH | Oral Health Florida Marc Colaluce, DPM | All Florida Podiatry Jackie Davie, Ph.D., CCC-A | Nova Southeastern University Nadine Girgis Hanna, OD | Dr. Dan’s Family Eye Care Sherry Wheelock | President & CEO, Special Olympics Florida