Special Olympics Florida

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

Thanks to our friends at FreshPoint, Inc. for joining the 2024 Race for Inclusion – Orlando . The company's purpose of connecting the world to share food and care for one another with integrity and passion is remarkable, and we are grateful for their support of our mission to provide the best opportunities in sports, health and inclusive programs to more than 70,000 people with intellectual disabilities. The Race for Inclusion helps make that happen. 👟 Want to get your company involved and help us create a place where people with intellectual disabilities can achieve their dreams? Find a race near you and get all the details at https://lnkd.in/ePt5BFVy. We'll see you at the starting line!

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce that our very own President and CEO, Sherry Wheelock, has been honored as one of Orlando Magazine‘s Women of the Year! Sherry's unwavering commitment and leadership continue to inspire us all and make a profound impact on our athletes and community. 🎉 Read more about her and fellow honorees here ➡️ https://bit.ly/3UucxNo #SpecialOlympicsFlorida #WomenOfTheYear #Leadership

More than 45,000 strong. Our volunteers are superheroes of dedication and compassion, and make our work of serving more than 70,000 athletes across the state possible. They are ambassadors of kindness, and their impact is immeasurable. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS, for all you do to help make dreams come true for people with intellectual disabilties. If you're looking for a service opportunity that brings relentless joy, visit https://lnkd.in/d-U94A3e. There's a place just for you! #nationalvolunteermonth #volunteers #superstars #choosetoinclude #sports #service #specialolympics #florida #volunteerflorida