Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athlete or their caregiver, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be a productive, respected and contributing members of their communities. Founded by the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics is the world’s largest program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, serving 3.7 million people in more than 170 countries. In Florida, 25,000 athletes train and compete year round, in 20 different team and individual sports of their choice. Founded in 1972, Special Olympics Florida is a certified 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization funded solely through the generosity of individuals, businesses and civic groups. This support allows Special Olympics to never charge the athlete or their families a fee for participation.