Governor Ron DeSantis Joins Special Olympics Florida to Announce a Historic Membership Milestone

Governor Ron DeSantis recently joined Special Olympics Florida to announce they have reached a historic membership milestone of serving more than 50,000 athletes. Special Olympics Florida also announced that the state of Florida will host the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

“This is truly a historic day for Special Olympics Florida and as Governor, I’m proud to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of this organization and these inspiring athletes,” said Governor DeSantis. “This milestone speaks to the hard work and dedication of the talented coaches, volunteers, and athletes who make Special Olympics Florida a resounding success.”

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.

Special Olympics Florida’s more than 50,000 athletes compete at local, state, national, and worldwide levels with the help of more than 33,000 dedicated coaches and volunteers statewide. Hosting the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is projected to generate a $61 million economic impact to the state of Florida.

To learn more about Special Olympics Florida, please visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.

Governor Ron DeSantis, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Special Olympics Florida President & CEO Sherry Wheelock and representatives, and APD Director Barbara Palmer