Special Olympics Florida

Today, we proudly recognize International Day of Persons with Disabilities. We are inspired every day by the impact people with disabilities make in our communities — in sports, in the workplace, in schools, and beyond. Their contributions strengthen teams, spark innovation, elevate performance, and remind us what’s possible when everyone is given the chance to reach their full potential. Our athletes show that talent is everywhere, possibilities are limitless, and inclusion drives meaningful progress. As we honor this day, we reaffirm our commitment to creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and building a world where every person is valued and empowered to thrive.

Two Race for Inclusion events remain in 2025 — the final chance this year to come together, move with purpose, and make an impact that carries far beyond the finish line.🏃♂️✨ 📍 Gainesville — December 6 (University of Florida) 📍 Miami — December 13 (Maurice A. Ferré Park) There’s still time to fundraise, earn some awesome swag, and – most importantly – help ensure that Special Olympics Florida athletes have the training, support, and opportunities they deserve in 2026 and beyond. Every dollar fuels confidence. Every step builds unity. Every participant helps create a year these athletes will never forget. It's a fun 5K with a big purpose! Get all the details at RaceForInclusion.org, and join us at the starting line.

Two days. Five sports. More than 1,000 athletes. And a million moments of joy. We’re still buzzing with excitement from the most incredible State Fall Classic weekend at Disney Sports/ESPN Wide World of Sports. From the first whistle to the final high-fives, athletes showed the meaning of passion, determination, and sportsmanship as they competed in softball, gymnastics, flag football, powerlifting, and pickleball. Their drive and commitment are truly inspiring. We are grateful to Publix Super Markets – our Premier Sponsor – for their incredible support, and to our friends at Brightline Trains for transporting our South Region athletes to the Games. To the countless coaches, volunteers, families, friends, and fans for helping make this a terrific weekend of competition and unity – thank you. Here’s to celebrating every victory – big and small – and the memories that will last a lifetime.

A heartfelt thank you to the PGA TOUR and Cognizant Classic of the Palm Beaches for their incredible generosity. Through a special grant focused on increasing equity, improving participation, and growing competitive play in golf, Special Olympics Florida athletes recently received a remarkable donation of new golf equipment. This gift represents far more than irons and drivers. It means opportunity — the chance for our athletes to learn, compete, and shine on the fairways and greens, as well as build confidence, friendships, and skills that last a lifetime. We’re deeply grateful to the PGA TOUR, and to Todd Fleming - Vice President & Executive Director of Cognizant Classic - for being part of our Regional Golf competition and helping make the game of golf truly accessible to everyone.

We are thrilled to share that Fort Myers High School in Lee County has been named a 2025 ESPN Honor Roll Special Olympics Unified Champion School! This incredible recognition celebrates schools that are leading the way in inclusion—where students with and without intellectual disabilities learn, play, and grow together through the power of Unified sports and inclusive youth leadership. Fort Myers High School is one of only a select number of schools nationwide to earn a spot on this year’s ESPN Honor Roll, and we couldn’t be prouder of the #GreenWave students, teachers, and community who make inclusion a daily reality.💚 Join us in congratulating Fort Myers High School for showing what it truly means to be #Unified!

🌟What an incredible day in Orlando! 🌟 Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Race for Inclusion on Saturday, from the runners and walkers to the families, friends, and volunteers who came out to cheer at the Promenade at Sunset Walk. This amazing celebration wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated sponsors, community partners, and countless champions who continue to make a difference for Special Olympics Florida athletes across the state. Because of you, we’re building a world where every person is accepted, valued, and included — both on and off the field. We are looking forward to the the final two Race for Inclusion events this year — in Gainesville on Dec. 6, and Miami on Dec. 13. For all the details, visit RaceForInclusion.org.

We are incredibly proud to have received the 2025 Exceptional Employer Award this week from the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the State of Florida – recognizing our commitment to employing individuals with disabilities. This honor reflects our dedication to building a supportive and empowering workplace, where every team member is valued for their unique talents and contributions. We believe that meaningful change begins within our own organization, and we’re grateful to be part of a movement that expands opportunities and strengthens communities across Florida. A heartfelt thank you to the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the State of Florida for this recognition—and to our amazing staff and athletes who inspire us every day. Pictured: Robert Asztalos-Director of the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and Meghan McLean-Chief Operating Officer of Special Olympics Florida.

As we continue to celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month, we want to spotlight one of our partners’ incredible initiatives. The We Build Program at Orlando Health is transforming lives by providing internships and job opportunities for adults with unique abilities. Since 2021, participants have received hands-on job training, and the chance to build meaningful careers in healthcare. With 49 participants, many are now employed and thriving in roles like guest services, transportation, food and nutrition, environmental services, and supply chain. So far, 10 Special Olympics Florida athletes have participated in this inspiring program. We are proud to partner with Orlando Health, the Center for Independent Living, the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida, Discover Ability Network, Magnify, and OCA: Opportunity, Community, Ability to make this initiative possible. To learn more about the program or get involved, email WEBUILDProgram@orlandohealth.com.

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, and we’re proud of the incredible achievements of our athletes in the workplace. So many – just like Jimmy, a proud Publix Super Markets Associate; Annamarie, who works at Wawa, Inc.; and Shania, an enthusiastic Hard Rock Stadium employee – bring passion, skill and commitment to their jobs. Their talents remind us that when people of all abilities are included, workplaces thrive. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the power of a inclusive workforce, the companies who embrace diversity, and the unique perspectives that make every team stronger.

Today on National Coaches Day, we celebrate the incredible men and women who inspire, guide, and empower our athletes every day. Their dedication and passion create opportunities, build confidence, and help athletes reach their full potential both on and off the playing field. If you’ve ever thought about making a difference and becoming a coach, we invite you to join one of our upcoming webinars to learn more about how you can get involved and support our athletes. Your time, energy, and encouragement can change lives! Get all the details here: https://lnkd.in/gZbsEDT3