Runners from around the world prepare for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
ORLANDO, Fla. — Runners from around the world are heading to Walt Disney World. The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend kicks off Wednesday. Photos: Runners from around the world prepare for Walt Disney World Marathon WeekendExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Runners from around the world prepare for Walt Disney World Marathon WeekendRacers will pick up their bibs at the Marathon Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Wednesday. See: Disney World previews ‘Moana’ inspired attraction ‘The Journey of Water’The races begin Thursday with the 5K, followed by the 10K on Friday, the half-marathon on Saturday, and the full marathon on Sunday. Photos: The biggest stars to visit Walt Disney World in 2022Channel 9 will have special coverage of the Walt Disney World Marathon on Sunday during Eyewitness News This Morning.
wftv.comHow hundreds of health care workers keeping athletes safe at Special Olympics USA Games
VIDEO: Hundreds of health care workers keeping athletes safe at Special Olympics USA Games Hundreds of health care workers keeping athletes safe at Special Olympics USA GamesORLANDO, Fla. — The Special Olympics USA Games are underway in Central Florida, and athletes from all over the country are going after the gold. At ESPN Wide World of Sports, where some of the biggest competitions are underway this week including track and field, basketball and powerlifting, there is a massive medical team dedicated to keeping athletes healthy and safe. READ: DeSantis: Athletes allowed to compete in Special Olympics USA Games regardless of vaccination statusDr. Michael Jablonski is an orthopedic surgeon at OrlandoHealth and the chief medical officer for the Special Olympics USA Games. He said part of the mission includes getting athletes the right individual care. READ: Hundreds of Special Olympics athletes gearing up for summer games in Central Florida2022 Special Olympics USA Games underway in OrlandoClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comArtist with work across Orlando developing ‘top-secret’ cauldron for next year’s Special Olympics
ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s one of the most iconic images in sports: The cauldron that holds the flame of hope at the Special Olympics, burning proudly for the entire world to see. Artists from all over submitted designs for the cauldron that will serve as a beacon of hope in Orlando next year, but it was Donald Gialanella who was chosen for the project. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he already has sculptures in Orlando, including outside Fire Station 9 and outside the Orange County administration building. READ: UCF’s sports officiating class helping to keep Central Florida strongGialanella said the cauldron will take several months to complete. The artist was diagnosed with Parkinson’s six years ago and recently had successful brain surgery to reduce his tremors.
wftv.comMore companies pledge to give workers time to vote
FILE - In this Wednesday, July 22, 2020 file photo, A Coca-Cola display is viewed at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex after an MLS soccer match between Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City in Kissimmee, Fla. A growing number of U.S. companies are pledging to give workers time off to vote in the presidential election this November. Coca-Cola, Twitter, Cisco and Uber are giving employees the day off. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)