Special Olympics Florida

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

Nothing says summer like CAMP! We recently launched our first Camp Shriver in Sarasota County – giving campers a week filled with inclusive sports, fun activities, and the chance to make new friends. Held at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, the camp was funded through the support of Suncoast Charities for Children, Inc. a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with special needs. Camp Shriver is an impactful week that brings young people with and without diabilities to break down barriers and promote a better understanding of all abilities. We are so grateful for our partners who made this possible, and loved seeing these campers have such a meaningful, fun experience!

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history. This day reminds us of the ongoing journey towards equality and justice. The Special Olympics movement is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where every voice is heard and valued. And we believe that our strength lies in our unique differences and shared values. Happy Juneteenth to all! Let’s continue to honor this day with action and purpose.

We are incredibly proud of Special Olympics Florida Coach Jessica Hontz, who was recently nominated by the Orlando Magic for the Jr. NBA Scholastic Coach of the Year. 🏆 She’s now a finalist for this impressive award that celebrates youth basketball coaches who uphold the core values of the game – teamwork, respect, determination, and community. 🏀 The honor recognizes coaches who work with boys and girls aged 14 and under in their communities while positively influencing the overall youth basketball ecosystem – including players, coaches, parents, and referees. Please join us in voting for Jessica, and showing your support for her tireless contributions to Special Olympics Florida athletes and the sport of basketball. VOTE HERE ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gc36PQBJ Voting ends Sunday, June 16, 11:59pm

We are thrilled to announce a new, five-year agreement with Orlando Health. As part of the partnership, Orlando Health will serve as a sponsor over the next five years, provide complimentary physicals for our athletes, serve as the Official Medical Sponsor for the Race for Inclusion-Orlando, host annual physical fairs, provide athletic trainers for select competitions, and serve – along with Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital – as the Official Healthcare Sponsor for Healthy Athletes and Young Athletes for the Central Florida and Tampa Bay regions. To celebrate the partnership, we joined Orlando Health leaders at the Brightline Trains Orlando Station last Friday to welcome more than 150 Special Olympics Florida athletes, coaches, and families to Central Florida for the 2024 State Summer Games. We are profoundly grateful for this partnership and Orlando Health's commitment to these athletes – and to the doctors, nurses, and medical staff for all they do to ensure our athletes have access to quality health care. [Pictured: Sherry Wheelock - President and CEO, Special Olympics Forida; James Holder - Athlete and Health Messenger; Cary J. D’Ortona - President, Orlando Health Medical Group and Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Special Olympics Florida.]

More than 2,500 athletes and Unified partners, seven sports, 900 coaches, thousands of volunteers…and countless families, friends and supporters. Our 2024 State Summer Games this coming weekend at Disney Sports/ESPN Wide World of Sports and USTA Florida will be an epic celebration of sportsmanship and inclusion. These athletes all show strength and courage – on and off the playing field, and their unwavering spirit is truly inspirational. We look forward to watching these extraordinary athletes go for the gold! If you'd like to be part of the excitement, join us at the Opening Ceremonies (free and open to the public). - Friday, May 17 | 7:45 p.m. - The Stadium at Disney Sports/ESPN Wide World of Sports - Includes: Parade of athletes, presentation of colors, special guests, fireworks display, and more! #specialolympicsflorida #specialolympicsathletes #inclusivesports #espn #athletes #sports