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Special Olympics Florida is expanding its services with a brand new program that we just launched this month and are very excited about: the Young Athletes Program.

The Young Athletes Program is for children, ages 2 through 7, and their families. The program uses age and developmentally-appropriate play activities to introduce exercise, the world of sports, and Special Olympics into their lives.

Motor skills development, eye-hand coordination, social interaction skills, color, letter, shape and number recognition, and numerous foundational skills...all of these things are addressed in an atmosphere of play, with their families and same-aged disabled and non-disabled peers having fun along with them.

And the program is offered at no cost to the Young Athlete or their families!

The Young Athlete Program kicked off in Florida with a Train-the-Trainer workshop on January 31 in Orlando. Thirty-two people were trained and are back into their respective communities setting up local programs. 

Check out the Young Athletes Program page on our website for more information.

6th Annual Champions' Gala: A Valentine's Day with Real Heart

Special Olympics Miami-Dade athlete David Mallis was the recipient of this year's "Spirit of Special Olympics Florida" Award.

Thank you to everyone who attended, our many outstanding sponsors, Westgate Resorts for housing all of our Athlete Ambassadors and their chaperones and for providing our event volunteers, and special thanks to the Gala host and event committees!

See pictures from the Gala!

Healthy Athletes Program Gets a Boost from the Orlando Magic Youth Fund

 A Volunteer's Perspective:

Ann Meyer of Seminole County

I'm from Indianapolis, Indiana, where I learned my passion for sports, especially basketball.  Growing up in Indiana, home of the Hoosiers and The Indianapolis 500, if something is round, we dribble it or drive it.  I choose to dribble. I attended Indiana University where I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.  I currently work as a Registered Nurse in the operating room.  That's how I initially became involved with  Special Olympics, through my co-worker, Doreen Scribner and her husband Neil "Honey" Scribner. 

This is my first year coaching, it is something I have always wanted to do since I quit playing - just could never find the time. As far as what inspires me to be involved and stay involved in Special Olympics: my parents, my upbringing and getting to know these kids and their parents. I have an older brother and we are both adopted. My parents have always told us that we are special because we were chosen.

The athletes participating in Special Olympics are no different; they as well as their parents were also chosen. I don't believe in "Can't." There is always a way. It just might be a little different than the traditional way, and seeing these kids adapt and overcome, is truly an amazing thing to witness. Thank you to everyone involved in Special Olympics, especially the athletes and the parents. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to give back and make a difference and again reminding me just how important those words my parents have told me throughout my entire life, "You are Special because you were chosen."