SPECIAL OLYMPICS

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games hosted at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosted 5,500 athletes from all 50 states.

A wildfire began Monday evening at a Seminole County state park, according to the Florida Forest Service.

A wildfire began Monday evening at an Orange County state park, according to the Florida Forest Service.

A woman from Lake County claimed a $1 million prize from a scratch-off ticket at the Florida Lottery headquarters on Monday.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is looking for another missing member of the Haitian delegation who went missing at the Special Olympics USA Games.

Video: Young Athletes Festival celebrates Special Olympics’ impact on health and development This event was a special opportunity for young kids who don’t usually get to have these experiences. (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — Catalina Elementary School hosted an event Thursday celebrating young athletes who are taking part in this year’s Special Olympics USA Games. WATCH: Team Florida gymnasts go for the gold at Special Olympics USA GamesMore than 120 students took part in the Young Athletes Festival. Photos: Young Athletes Festival celebrates Special Olympics’ impact on health and developmentExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 Young Athletes Festival celebrates Special Olympics’ impact on health and developmentTeachers, caregivers, and others were all there to cheer on the athletes. “It’s really good for their parent and caregiver to see what Special Olympics offers.”WATCH: Orlando Busses are Getting a New Look for the 2022 Special Olympics USA GamesYoung Athletes is an early childhood play program.

VIDEO: Haitian Special Olympics delegates believed to have defected, but what does it mean? Haitian Special Olympics delegates believed to have defected, but what does it mean? OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Two days after six Haitian Special Olympics delegates – including one athlete with intellectual disabilities – turned in their key cards and vanished from their hotel, their motivations and possible destination remain unclear. READ: 5 of 6 people missing from Haiti delegation participating in Special Olympics USA Games not athletesDefections are relatively common. READ: 2022 Special Olympics USA Games underway in Orlando“They don’t need very much to move forward with the application,” Mubarak explained.

VIDEO: First-ever surfing event makes a splash at Special Olympics USA Games First-ever surfing event makes a splash at Special Olympics USA GamesORLANDO, Fla. — It’s another history-making day at the Special Olympics USA Games. Team Florida athletes are getting ready to complete in the first-ever surfing event at the games at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. READ: Six members of Haiti’s delegation to Special Olympics USA Games reported missingSeveral of the athletes have been surfing for more than a decade, but mostly on the ocean. READ: Gaming glory: Special Olympics athletes try hand at Esports during USA GamesSpecial Olympics Florida started its surfing program in 2009, and South Carolina is the only other state with a team in this year’s competition. READ: How hundreds of health care workers are keeping athletes safe at Special Olympics USA GamesVIDEO: Gaming glory: Special Olympics athletes try hand at Esports during USA Games Gaming glory: Special Olympics athletes try hand at Esports during USA GamesClick 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.

Authorities do not suspect foul play.

VIDEO: Gaming glory: Special Olympics athletes try hand at Esports during USA Games Gaming glory: Special Olympics athletes try hand at Esports during USA GamesORLANDO, Fla. — The Special Olympics USA Games underway in Central Florida include all the traditional sports like track and field and powerlifting, but this year’s games have several new events as well. Part of the reason Orlando was chosen to host the USA Games was the variety of venues in Central Florida. READ: 5 of 6 people missing from Haiti delegation participating in Special Olympics USA Games not athletesIt’s also where Special Olympics athletes like James Holder from Brevard County are competing for gaming glory. READ: 2022 Special Olympics USA Games underway in OrlandoUnified Sports allows Special Olympics and able-bodied athletes to compete side by side, giving competitors such as Holder an opportunity to compete. Esports is not a sanctioned event in the Special Olympics USA Games, so the invitational is only an exhibition, but athletes said they expect that to change.

Six members of the Haitian delegation for the Special Olympics have gone missing out of Kissimmee, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

Athletes taking part in the Special Olympics were flown in on private jets in the world's largest peacetime airlift.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $10 million for Florida’s eight Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams to support operations and training exercises to ensure that they are ready to respond immediately in the event of a disaster.

An opening ceremony at Exploria Stadium marked the start of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

The Special Olympics has dropped a coronavirus vaccine mandate for its games in Orlando after Florida moved to fine the organization $27.5 million for violating a state law against such rules. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File) (Marta Lavandier)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — (AP) — The Special Olympics has dropped a coronavirus vaccine mandate for its games in Orlando after Florida moved to fine the organization $27.5 million for violating a state law against such rules. Florida law bars businesses from requiring documentation of a COVID-19 vaccination. DeSantis has strongly opposed vaccine mandates and other virus policies endorsed by the federal government. In a statement on its website, the Special Olympics said people who were registered but unable to participate because of the mandate can now attend.

The Special Olympics has dropped a coronavirus vaccine mandate for its games in Orlando after Florida moved to fine the organization $27.5 million for violating a state law against such requirements.

9 things to do this weekendORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida has plenty of events happening this weekend. The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games kick off in Orlando on Sunday. The Opening Ceremony will take place at Exploria Stadium on Sunday from 8 a.m.More than 5,500 Special Olympics athletes will participate in the games. READ: Thousands of athletes to attend Special Olympics USA Games in Central FloridaThis Saturday you can check out Orange County’s Hurricane Expo. It runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at West Orange High School.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis praised the drop of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for athletes competing in the Special Olympics in Orlando.

Runners carrying the torch for the Special Olympics made a pit stop at the world famous Daytona International Speedway.

Focused and determined, 23-year-old Danny Steele is getting ready to compete in front of hundreds at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

VIDEO: Meet the doctor who'll care for the athletes at the Special Olympics USA games in Orlando The excitement is building for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games being hosted in Orlando this summer. (, /WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — The excitement is building for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games being hosted in Orlando this summer. #ShineAsOne #2022usagames #specialolympics pic.twitter.com/sFUkQTxcFE — Special Olympics USA Games (@2022USAGames) October 8, 2020Thousands of athletes will be in Orlando competing for the gold when the games start in June. The Special Olympics games has created a program for healthy screenings and education for Special Olympics athletes. I feel more involved with Special Olympics Florida, and I can be involved with Special Olympics athletes and everyone else there,” Holder said.

First responders from all over Lake County gathered again to support athletes participating in this year’s Special Olympics USA Games in June.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Hundreds of athletes are training in Osceola County with the hopes of nabbing a gold medal at this year’s Special Olympics in Orlando this summer. The athletes train year-round leading up to the Special Olympics, but Channel 9 got to a look at the hard work they’re putting in. READ: Thousands of athletes to attend Special Olympics USA Games in Central FloridaMore than 600 athletes from Team Florida are spending three days in Osceola County preparing for events such as basketball, volleyball, soccer and bocce. Photos: Thousands of athletes to attend Special Olympics USA Games in Central FloridaSee more in the video above. The Special Olympics are still looking for hundreds of volunteers.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida has been preparing for the Special Olympics USA Games for four years. Michael Ladieu will be among the athletes competing for Team Florida at the Special Olympics USA Games. READ: Join 9 Family Connection and Volunteer for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games! READ: ‘Shine As One’: As the year ends, the countdown to the Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando beginsOn March 30, every Jersey Mike’s in the country will donate 100% of sales to the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics USA Games will require thousands of hours of volunteer work.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Crews are getting ready right now for the Special Olympics USA Games in Central Florida. It’s set to be a celebration of the biggest games ever, with more than 5,000 athletes in 19 different sports. Photos: Thousands of athletes to attend Special Olympics USA Games in Central FloridaExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Thousands of athletes to attend Special Olympics USA Games at Walt Disney WorldSpecial Olympics Florida was founded in February 1972 and has provided year-round sports training and competitions to athletes with intellectual disabilities across the Sunshine State. WATCH: Central Florida students chosen to attend Disney Dreamers AcademyOfficials said with the help of more than 38,000 coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics Florida has served nearly 60,000 athletes through its sports, health, and leadership programs. “We are thrilled to celebrate our 50th anniversary and so grateful to the volunteers, coaches, and partners who have made this remarkable journey possible,” said Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock.

CLERMONT, Fla. — For 50 years now, Special Olympics Florida has worked to change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. He first got involved with the Special Olympics 54 years ago when he was the head football coach at the University of Louisville. “Not television or anything...nothing like it.”🚨 100 days 🚨The Opening Ceremony of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, presented by @JerseyMikes and hosted by @WaltDisneyWorld is almost here! Physician Paula Schad was given the Nancy Sawyer award for her years of work as Special Olympics Florida’s Clinical Director. READ: ‘They need opportunity’: Orlando man helps train Special Olympics athletes to meet their goalsThe Special Olympics USA Games, hosted in Orlando, will start on June 5.

Polar Plunge Aquatica is hosting the annual Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Florida on Saturday, Feb. 12. (Special Olympics Florida)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Special Olympics Florida wants you to get freezin’ for a reason. Aquatica is hosting the annual Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Florida on Saturday, Feb. 12. READ: Disney Live Entertainment to produce opening ceremony for Special Olympics USA Games in OrlandoFor those not brr-ave enough to take the plunge, donations can also be made to the cause. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Riptide Race opens at SeaWorld’s Aquatica water park Riptide Race, a record-breaking water slide at SeaWorld's Aquatica water park, open last weekend.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando was officially named the host city for the 2022 Special Olympics USA games back in 2018. The actual “Race for Inclusion” 5k run held in October raised more than $93,000 to benefit Special Olympics Florida, nearly $30,000 more than their initial goal of $65,000. Calloway was assigned to 1-4 Infantry... Posted by JMRC on Wednesday, October 30, 2019“Shine as one”In June, we held our “Day of Giving” event, directly benefiting the Special Olympics USA Games. During the event, OCA’s local Special Olympics soccer team was surprised with the news that they will play in this summer’s games. Read more about the WWE’s longtime partnership with the Special Olympics here.

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.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Ashley Harrell stood by as her husband Cyrus Buker wrestled with the superstars of NXT. Harrell and Buker are Special Olympics athletes from Tallahassee who got married on Oct. 30. To celebrate, Special Olympics sent them o Orlando on a tour of the WWE Performance Center with NXT superstars Johnny Gargano and Raquel Gonzalez. READ: Former Major Leaguer, Orlando native Jemile Weeks hosting Celebrity Kickball Tournament for charityBut it wasn’t just a tour. See the video below:WWE is a longtime partner of the Special Olympics.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Special Olympics Florida supporters came out Saturday morning to help raise money during the first major “Race for Inclusion” 5K. Racers from around Central Florida came together to celebrate and spread a message of inclusion. READ: Orlando to announce ‘major rock show’ coming to Camping World StadiumParticipants raced to support more than 60,000 Special Olympics Florida athletes across the state of Florida. Organizers said this was one of the first major race campaigns for Special Olympics Florida aimed at creating more inclusive communities for people, especially those with intellectual disabilities. READ: New underground trash system installed at Florida beachThe event benefited Special Olympics Florida’s comprehensive programs in sports training, health screenings, and leadership development.

Each year, over 5,000 officers carry the torch on a 1,500-mile relay run throughout 67 counties in Florida. On Tuesday, it was Lake County’s turn.

The Olympics and Paralympics have for decades been held in tandem, and both celebrate world-class athletic achievement. The Special Olympics differs in key ways.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Statistically, only about 10 percent of kids with Down Syndrome, and 20 percent of those with autism ever learn to ride a bicycle. For the last 10 years, the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida has partnered with the iCan Shine bike camp program to help change that in Central Florida. Many of the graduates have even gone on to compete in triathlons, including Central Florida’s most famous Iron Man, Chris Nikic, who went through the iCan bike program. The iCan bike camps are held all over the country. It’s expected to return to Central Florida next summer.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The countdown is on for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games taking place in Orlando. During Tuesday’s event, OCA’s Special Olympics Soccer Team was surprised with the news they will play in the Games next summer. pic.twitter.com/oKhbCuxPxC — Special Olympics USA Games (@2022USAGames) June 5, 2021Athlete Sebastien Atis said he was speechless. The countdown is on for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games taking place right here in Orlando. Joe Dzaluk, President & CEO of Special Olympics USA Games, said the community can help by cheering on the athletes from the stands or volunteering.

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games are still a year away but Orlando is already preparing for the big games.

The Florida Cup announced the participating clubs and dates for their 2021 event Wednesday. The 2021 Florida Cup is coming in 𝕙𝕠𝕥! https://www.floridacup.com/ Posted by Florida Cup on Wednesday, June 2, 2021Friday’s winners will meet each other on Wednesday, July 28, for the Florida Cup title match. READ: “Seats for Soldiers”: Orlando Magic honor fallen soldiers with personalized team jerseysExact start times and broadcast information for the matches will be announced at a later date. Tickets go on sale to the general public Thursday starting at 10 a.m.For tickets and other Florida Cup information, click here.

ORLANDO, Fla. — One of the most inspiring stories in golf will be in Central Florida this week competing for a national championship. READ: Facebook post spawns massive effort to help young adults in Central Florida aged out of foster careHowever, Bockerstette was just getting started. This week, she broke through another barrier by teeing off at the Junior College National Golf Championships being held in Ormond Beach. Amy is in her third season with Paradise Valley Community College, one of 19 teams competing at the national championships. READ: “Seats for Soldiers”: Orlando Magic honor fallen soldiers with personalized team jerseysShe’s also become a spokesperson for the Special Olympics, where she competes in golf, swimming, and volleyball.

“As a parent of someone who will eventually participate in Special Olympics when she’s willing and able, I feel like it’s my responsibility to make sure that program is thriving,” Deanna Panatera said. “We want our Reese to be able to have that same experience and team companionship and healthy competition she sees her friends and family having.”

(Gary Schottle via AP)Gary Schottle arrived in time to see the other kids in line hitting and jumping on his young son. Special Olympics changed everything. Special Olympics has since branched out to more than 170 countries, empowering more than 5 million athletes who had often been cast aside. In 20 years of Special Olympics competition, Tank's confidence has soared, his leadership spreading across playing fields, the Houston area and beyond. Once one of the bullied, he has become a living embodiment of the Special Olympics message.

Special Olympics was always more than the competition, though, she said. Everyone involved became close. She knew Moose watched “The Wizard of Oz” countless times, and that he knew all the words and the songs. He and some of the other athletes also loved Elvis, offering facts about his life or dancing to his music. A few picked Elvis as their costume for several Halloweens.

click to enlarge Chris NikicChris Nikic is the first person with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN. Amazing 👏 🏊‍♂️ 2.4 mile swim 🚴‍♂️ 112 mile bike ride 🏃‍♂️ 26.2 mile run (h/t IRONMAN, ESPN UK) Posted by ESPN on Sunday, November 8, 2020Maitland resident and Special Olympics Florida athlete Chris Nikic made sports history over the weekend, becoming the first person with Down Syndrome ever to complete the grueling Ironman triathlon.For the uninitiated, the limits-testing Ironman course consists of – and our muscles gave out just typing this – a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike race and a 26.2-mile run. All three legs must be completed in 17 hours or less.The 21-year-old Nikic crossed the Panama City Beach finish line at a hair over 16:46. Back in May, Nikic pregamed for Ironman by finishing a half-distance triathlon (70.3 miles), the first athlete with Down Syndrome to complete that as well.ESPN shouted out Nikic and his accomplishment on their Facebook page on Sunday, no big deal:“Special Olympics Florida is incredibly proud of Chris Nikic and the work he’s put in over the last few years to achieve this monumental goal,“ said Sherry Wheelock, President & CEO of Special Olympics Florida, in a press statement. “Chris has become a hero to many athletes, fans and individuals across Florida and around the country.”Next up for Nikic is training, training and more training to work toward his goal of qualifying to compete in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, which will be held right here in Orlando.

Special Olympics Florida athletes sing a tribute to thank health care workers, doctors, nurses and first responders for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Special Olympics athletes across Florida are spreading some positivity during the COVID-19 pandemic by giving a special shout-out to health care workers, doctors, nurses and first responders. Experts say more tests can slow spreadMany of the athletes are dressed in their Special Olympics Florida shirts and one Caleb wearing a Jacksonville Jaguars Leonard Fournette jersey. Florida tight-lipped about testing for disabilities workersReaders can go to bit.ly/2XACsHt for the link to the video or find it on YouTube under the title, "Special Olympics Florida - Stand By Me." Special Olympics Florida is a nonprofit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with year-round sports training and competition for Olympic-style sports.

Special Olympics Florida athletes sing a tribute to thank health care workers, doctors, nurses and first responders for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Special Olympics athletes across Florida are spreading some positivity during the COVID-19 pandemic by giving a special shout-out to health care workers, doctors, nurses and first responders. Experts say more tests can slow spreadMany of the athletes are dressed in their Special Olympics Florida shirts and one Caleb wearing a Jacksonville Jaguars Leonard Fournette jersey. Florida tight-lipped about testing for disabilities workersReaders can go to bit.ly/2XACsHt for the link to the video or find it on YouTube under the title, "Special Olympics Florida - Stand By Me." Special Olympics Florida is a nonprofit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with year-round sports training and competition for Olympic-style sports.

Special Olympics Florida athletes sing a tribute to thank health care workers, doctors, nurses and first responders for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Special Olympics athletes across Florida are spreading some positivity during the COVID-19 pandemic by giving a special shout-out to health care workers, doctors, nurses and first responders. Experts say more tests can slow spreadMany of the athletes are dressed in their Special Olympics Florida shirts and one Caleb wearing a Jacksonville Jaguars Leonard Fournette jersey. Florida tight-lipped about testing for disabilities workersReaders can go to bit.ly/2XACsHt for the link to the video or find it on YouTube under the title, "Special Olympics Florida - Stand By Me." Special Olympics Florida is a nonprofit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with year-round sports training and competition for Olympic-style sports.

The event will go from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the College of Central Floridas Newton Perrys Aquatic Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. The first 400 runners to cross the finish line will receive a Run for Reading race medal. Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite book character for a chance to win the Run for Reading costume contest. UPCOMINGMarion Therapeutic Riding Association: An afternoon of competitive ballroom dancing will benefit the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. The event will run 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala.

The officers stood at attention Friday as the national anthem played, but all eyes were on one veteran cop in particular. It was a drug deal gone bad, Weigt told KPHO-TV. "I'd been wanting to stand for the national anthem for 14 years," Weigt, a former United States infantry soldier, told TODAY. When everything hushed and the drums started, Im telling you, everything just went right into place, Weigt told KPHO-TV. That was probably the most special thing," Weigt said of being able to connect with the events participants.

Tavares High School earned National Banner status as a Unified Champion School by the Special Olympics. TAVARES Tavares High School has been selected as one of 24 schools statewide and the only one in Lake County to receive National Banner recognition as a Unified Champion School by the Special Olympics. A Special Olympics Unified Champion School has an inclusive school climate and exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all members of the student body and staff, the letter reads. She also handles Special Olympics participation around Lake County and more recently began a Best Buddies program at Tavares High. It's a top honor from the Special Olympics, and in her view she was just putting in the work she was asked for.

First Lady Michelle Obama and award-winning singers Stevie Wonder and Justin Beiber were just a few of the notables inaugurating this year's Special Olympics in Los Angeles. CBSN's Contessa Brewer covers the opening events.