Governor Ron DeSantis today joined Special Olympics Florida to announce they have reached a historic membership milestone of serving more than 50,000 athletes. [Read more…] about Governor Ron DeSantis Joins Special Olympics Florida to Announce a Historic Membership Milestone
Special Olympics Florida
Attorney General Moody to Make Announcement Regarding Special Olympics Florida
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Attorney General Ashley Moody will hold a news conference with Governor Ron DeSantis and Special Olympics Florida about the organization and its impact on the state of Florida. [Read more…] about Attorney General Moody to Make Announcement Regarding Special Olympics Florida
Attorney General Bondi Kicks Off 2018 Law Enforcement Torch Run
Attorney General Pam Bondi today kicked off the 2018 Law Enforcement Torch Run, benefiting Special Olympics Florida. Hundreds of font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;”> law enforcement officers and supporters joined Attorney General Bondi and Special Olympics CEO and President Sherry Wheelock at the kickoff event. Local, state and federal law enforcement officers, corrections officers and support staff will carry the Flame of Hope 1,500 miles throughout Florida to bring awareness to Special Olympics. This year, Special Olympics is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
“Special Olympics Florida is a remarkable organization that provides amazing athletes the opportunity to showcase inspiring strength and skill for the world to see,” said Attorney General Bondi. “I want to thank our law enforcement community and all those involved in the Torch Run for supporting these dedicated athletes.”
Eight thousand members of the law enforcement and corrections community will carry the torch in a relay to the opening ceremonies at the Annual Florida State Summer Games. This year’s games take place May 18-19, 2018 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista. More than font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;”> 46,000 athletes participate in Special Olympics activities throughout Florida. Today, 156 runners from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and more than 50 runners from the Office of the Attorney General participated in today’s kick off.
For a schedule of the Law Enforcement Torch Run routes by county, click here.
The Special Olympics is a global movement that serves more than four million athletes in 169 countries. The organization empowers athletes to improve physical fitness, build confidence and find new friendships, all while having fun and learning life-lessons.
For more information about Special Olympics Florida and how to get involved, visit SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org.
Publix and Procter & Gamble partner to #LightTheTorch for Special Olympics Florida
From January 4 through 20, Publix customers and associates can
support Special Olympics by purchasing a Torch Icon at the register
Publix Super Markets and Procter & Gamble are helping customers save money all while supporting Special Olympics Florida.
From January 4 through 20, 2018, Publix customers and associates will be able to make a donation to Special Olympics Florida at the register and in turn will receive a special Torch Icon that includes exclusive savings on Procter & Gamble brands including Tide®, Gain®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Gillette®, Venus®, Pampers®, Luvs®, Olay®, Ivory®, Vicks DayQuil or NyQuil®. Donations can be made for as little as $1, $3, $5 or $10, and all donors will receive $14 in coupon savings.
“For 45 years, we have shared the vision of Special Olympics and have been proud supporters, along with our partners at Procter & Gamble, and our loyal customers,” said Maria Brous Publix director of media and community relations. “Together, since 1993, we have raised more than $40 million for Special Olympics. We take great pride in and thank our customers and associates for making a positive impact throughout the communities we serve.”
Special Olympics Florida offers life-changing opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to learn new skills, build confidence and achieve their fullest potential through sports training and competition. Special Olympics Florida serves more than 42,000 athletes who compete at local, state, national and worldwide levels. In addition to training and competition for these athletes, Special Olympics Florida provides $2 million in free medical exams for thousands of Floridians with intellectual disabilities through its health programs, including much needed access to free prescription glasses and hearing aids. Its Unified Champion Schools further spread the message of inclusion, respect and advocacy in 167 schools and 14 universities throughout Florida.
“Our athletes are able to achieve greatness on and off the playing field,” said Special Olympics Florida Chief Executive Officer Sherry Wheelock. “With support from Publix, Procter & Gamble and the thousands of Florida shoppers who donate at the register, we are able to reach more adults and children in Florida with opportunities, critical services and support they need to thrive.”
To learn more about Special Olympics Florida and the 2018 #LightTheTorch Publix campaign, click here.
About Special Olympics Florida
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected and contributing members of their communities. To learn more, visit specialolympicsflorida.org.
Publix and Procter & Gamble partner to #LightTheTorch for Special Olympics Florida
From January 4 through 20, Publix customers and associates can
support Special Olympics by purchasing a Torch Icon at the register
Publix Super Markets and Procter & Gamble are helping customers save money all while supporting Special Olympics Florida.
From January 4 through 20, 2018, Publix customers and associates will be able to make a donation to Special Olympics Florida at the register and in turn will receive a special Torch Icon that includes exclusive savings on Procter & Gamble brands including Tide®, Gain®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Gillette®, Venus®, Pampers®, Luvs®, Olay®, Ivory®, Vicks DayQuil or NyQuil®. Donations can be made for as little as $1, $3, $5 or $10, and all donors will receive $14 in coupon savings.
“For 45 years, we have shared the vision of Special Olympics and have been proud supporters, along with our partners at Procter & Gamble, and our loyal customers,” said Maria Brous Publix director of media and community relations. “Together, since 1993, we have raised more than $40 million for Special Olympics. We take great pride in and thank our customers and associates for making a positive impact throughout the communities we serve.”
Special Olympics Florida offers life-changing opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to learn new skills, build confidence and achieve their fullest potential through sports training and competition. Special Olympics Florida serves more than 42,000 athletes who compete at local, state, national and worldwide levels. In addition to training and competition for these athletes, Special Olympics Florida provides $2 million in free medical exams for thousands of Floridians with intellectual disabilities through its health programs, including much needed access to free prescription glasses and hearing aids. Its Unified Champion Schools further spread the message of inclusion, respect and advocacy in 167 schools and 14 universities throughout Florida.
“Our athletes are able to achieve greatness on and off the playing field,” said Special Olympics Florida Chief Executive Officer Sherry Wheelock. “With support from Publix, Procter & Gamble and the thousands of Florida shoppers who donate at the register, we are able to reach more adults and children in Florida with opportunities, critical services and support they need to thrive.”
To learn more about Special Olympics Florida and the 2018 #LightTheTorch Publix campaign, click here.
About Special Olympics Florida
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected and contributing members of their communities. To learn more, visit specialolympicsflorida.org.
Special Olympics Florida to Host State Stand Up Paddle Championship in Sarasota
Who: More than 145 Special Olympics Florida athletes, plus coaches and volunteers
What: Special Olympics Florida State Stand Up Paddle Championship
Where: Nathan Benderson Park
5851 Nathan Benderson Circle
Sarasota, FL 34235
When: August 26, 2017
7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Competition and Awards
See fact sheet for more information.
About Special Olympics Florida
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition, and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected, and contributing members of their communities. To learn more, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.
Special Olympics Florida Earns Highest Rating from Charity Navigator for Fourth Consecutive Year
Special Olympics Florida today announced that is has received its fourth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.
“This rating demonstrates the organization’s integrity and dedication to stewarding our supporters’ donations in an efficient and responsible manner,” said Sherry Wheelock, president and CEO of Special Olympics Florida. “Each year, we strive to bring the best quality programs to as many athletes as possible with the utmost transparency and accountability. We thank all our sponsors and volunteers for trusting Special Olympics Florida with their support.”
Founded in 2001, Charity Navigator uses objective, data-driven analysis to rate thousands of charity organizations. Charity Navigator examines a charity’s performance in two areas, financial health and accountability/transparency. The 4-star rating is only given to the most fiscally responsible organizations who are evaluated by 24 metrics.
Special Olympics Florida’s sound fiscal management, high standard of governance and ethics, and commitment to transparency have earned it a 4-star rating, the highest rating attainable, for the past four years. Only 11 percent of U.S. charities have achieved a 4-star rating for four consecutive years.
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition, and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected, and contributing members of their communities. As an organization with more than 40,000 athletes and 27,000 volunteers that provides more than $2 million in free health services annually, programmatic quality and fiscal responsibility are viewed as the key to expanding access to services across the state. Learn more at www.specialolympicsflorida.org.
Special Olympics Florida’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.
Naples YMCA President Joins Special Olympics Florida Board of Directors
Special Olympics Florida today announced that Paul Thein, President and CEO of the Greater Naples YMCA, has joined the Special Olympics Florida Board of Directors.
“Paul has an impressive business record and a true heart for service,” said President and CEO of Special Olympics Florida, Sherry Wheelock. “His experience as a coach, educator, and non-profit leader perfectly aligns with the goals of our organization and brings a great perspective to our Board.”
“It is an honor to be selected to represent Special Olympics Florida, an organization that provides such meaningful developmental and spiritual growth opportunities through wellness and sport,” said Thein.
During his three years as head of the Greater Naples YMCA, Thein has implemented a strong summer camp curriculum for children and developed after-school services in Title I schools. Under Thein’s leadership, the YMCA was totally renovated and rebuilt as a world-class Healthy Living Center in less than 20 months after a fire destroyed more than 70 percent of the building.
Before moving to Florida, Thein spent five years as head of the Waycross (Georgia) YMCA, where membership tripled and revenues doubled during his tenure. Thein brought about innovative advances in technology and community partnerships to make a positive impact. He also spearheaded a youth development and wellness initiative that sought to tackle childhood obesity.
During his career, Thein has also been a coach, educator, Dean of Students, Athletic Director, and Vice President at colleges in Minnesota, Kansas, and California. His passion and dedication to providing opportunities to underrepresented populations have garnered recognition by multiple organizations.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, a master’s degree from the United States Sports Academy, and an Educational Specialist’s Degree in Leadership from Pittsburg State University. He resides in Naples with his wife Shanon and their children Shalyn and Brody.
This Saturday, March 25, 2017, Special Olympics Florida Healthy Community will be hosting a Family Health Forum at the Greater Naples YMCA for Special Olympics athletes and anyone with an intellectual or developmental disability. For more information on the Family Health Forum, please contact Jasmine Green at [email protected] or 352-727-5097.
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition, and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected, and contributing members of their communities. To learn more, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.
Special Olympics Florida sending four athletes to 2017 Winter World Games in Austria
210 Athletes and Coaches to Represent U.S.
at 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games
Special Olympics Florida is proud to announce four athletes will be representing the United States, as part of Special Olympics USA at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games. The Games will be held March 14-25, 2017, in Graz, Ramsau, and Schladming, Austria. These athletes include Michelle Canazaro in Alpine skiing, Kerri Leonardo in Alpine skiing, Allan Lohr in figure skating, and Fernanando Nunez in Alpine skiing. Biographies of each athlete can be found here.
Special Olympics USA is the national team that represents the United States at the Special Olympics World Summer and Winter Games. The 210-member delegation is comprised of 150 athletes, 40 coaches, and approximately 20 delegation members who support team operations. The delegation also includes Special Olympics Unified Sports teams, where people with and without intellectual disabilities compete together, as teammates.
“We are incredibly proud of the Special Olympics Florida athletes who will compete at Winter Games,” said Sherry Wheelock, President and CEO of Special Olympics Florida. “Florida is not known for its winter sports, yet our athletes use creative and unconventional training facilities like sand dunes instead of snowy mountains to practice. These four athletes have worked extremely hard and earned their place as part of Special Olympics USA. We are excited to cheer them on and congratulate them on their extraordinary achievements.”
Every two years, the world transcends the boundaries of geography, nationality, political philosophy, gender, age, culture, and religion to come together for the Special Olympics World Games. Alternating between summer and winter Games, this is the flagship event of the Special Olympics movement, which promotes equality, tolerance, and acceptance around the world.
This is expected to be the largest Special Olympics World Winter Games in history. An estimated 2,600 athletes from 106 nations will compete in 9 Olympic-type sports at the 2017 Special Olympics World Games: floorball, floor hockey, stick shooting, figure skating, speed skating, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing.
ESPN’s global television networks and digital media will bring extensive coverage to sports fans and supporters of the Special Olympics movement around the world. ESPN’s coverage, from March 18-25, marks the first-ever global coverage for a World Winter Games event.
As an official broadcaster of the Special Olympics World Winter Games, ESPN’s television coverage will be carried across its networks in the U.S. as well as streamed through WatchESPN and the ESPN App.
About Special Olympics Florida
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition, and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected, and contributing members of their communities. To learn more, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.
