Special Olympics Florida

Through participation in 108 local and virtual competitions, 58,191 Special Olympic athletes from Florida have ample opportunity to practice and hone their skills. While the number of annual competitions were down from the prior year as a result of the pandemic,the team pivoted quickly to offer virtual event opportunities through online platforms. Additionally, we were able to return to local competitions in late fall with the introduction of strict social distance protocols and communication standards. Despite the pandemic, we were also able to introduce a new sport of pickleball in 2020, increasing the number of sports offered year-round to 25.

Healthy Programs - Strive to improve athletes' well-being & overall sports experience through enhancement of health, wellness & fitness initiatives. Through partnerships fitness and wellness programs, as well as robust Healthy Athletes programming, SOFL is paving the way for inclusive health. We offer an approach that focuses on the whole person with an intellectual & developmental disability & provide integrated health care & referrals. Athletes are offered in eight disciplines, including health promotion, physical examinations, physical therapy, hearing, vision, podiatry, mental wellness, and dental care. SOFL trains healthcare providers throughout the state, improving access to quality health care year-round for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their own communities. During 2020, the program performed 6,326 health screenings with the assistance of 211 health care professionals. In addition to offering these screenings in a virtual format for the first time in 2020, the team also provided important mental health programming to our athletes.

Training of 58,191 athletes in functional sports skills and rules which empower and enable them to interact with the community. Training takes place not only as part of the Olympic type sports offered, but also through our Young Athletes Program and Athlete Leadership courses to enhance our athletes' opportunities within our community. While providing the athletes with opportunities to build muscles and sharpen motor skills, training also builds self-confidence and the development of social skills that will help them live a better life. Despite the pandemic starting in early 2020, we were able to return to local training in late fall with the introduction of strict social distance protocols and communication standards.