Special Olympics Broward County

The mission of Special Olympics Broward County is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Special Olympics Broward County provides sports training and Olympic-style competition to almost 600 athletes with  intellectual disabilities in 22 sports through the support of over 40 training programs throughout the county.  All athletes 8 years or older, no matter what your ability level, can benefit from Special Olympics. And no matter what your interest, there is a sport for you. There is no charge to participate in Special Olympics.

The ultimate objective of Special Olympics Broward County is to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs.

2008 RACE FOR CHAMPIONS SPONSORS

Because of the support and generosity of donors, the race raised over $700,000 for Special Olympics Broward County, surpassing our financial goal.  Over 1200 people participated in the 5k race on February 10, 2008 at Nova SE University.  We met our Race Goals.  These goals were to:
• Establish an annual fund raising event to benefit Special Olympics Broward County and build a Special Olympics Broward County Sports Complex.
• Educate the Broward community that Special Olympics is a year round program.
• Share the Athlete’s gifts, skills and friendship with our community.

Results on www.splitsecondtiming.com

All proceeds benefit

Special Olympics Broward County

to donate to the race:

 https://www.specialolympicsflorida.org/donation

Special Olympics Broward County Receives $500,000 From Don Taft – The Taft Foundation

Don Taft of The Don Taft Foundation generously donated $500,000 to the 2008 Sallarulo’s RACE FOR CHAMPIONS.  This donation will allow Special Olympics Broward County to begin the process of building a sports complex and expand the training, social and recreational opportunities provided for our special athletes.  Special Olympics Broward County has had a dream of building a PERMANENT HOME for our program.  Thanks to the generosity of Don Taft, this dream will become a reality.  Mr. Taft feels that it is important to have a local home for our program.  Don envisions a facility for our special athletes to train, compete and socialize.  He realizes that participation in the Special Olympics program enriches the lives and improves the confidence and self-image of hundreds of children and adults with intellectual disabilities in our community.  Because of Don Taft’s belief and support of individuals with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics will have a place for the athletes in Broward County.
Don donated the money for the 2008 Sallarulo’s RACE FOR CHAMPIONS. If you would like to participate in helping us achieve our dream building, please call Linda Mills, Director, at 954-486-7464.

2007-2008 AWARDS DINNER

June 20, 2008
Colony West Country Club

AND THE WINNERS ARE!!!!!!

HONORARY BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Albert Miniacci

YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Victory Living Group

LOCAL ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
Don Taft Foundation

COACH OF THE YEAR
Bobbi Wigand

FAMILY OF THE YEAR
Irvine Family

MEL ZAREFSKY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Ann Scharf

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Ivy McMahon

HALL OF FAME
Major Tim Gillette

Congratulations!!!!!