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Florida to host Special Olympics 2022

Posted at 5:59 AM, Mar 13, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-13 05:59:21-04

Tuesday, was a huge milestone for Florida and the men, women, and children athletes who participate in the Special Olympics.

Governor Ron Desantis announced Tuesday that the Special Olympics USA Games will take place in Florida in 2022.

Desantis also announced that membership in Special Olympics Florida increased to 50,000

The organization provides sports training, competition and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, and has over 33,000 coaches and volunteers.

"What I think is a really big thing that most people are not aware of about Special Olympics is it's more than just our sports. Our sports with a core, that reveal a champion with all of our athletes and all of us," said Sherry Wheelock President & CEO, Special Olympics Florida.

Governor Desantis says the games will have a 61 million dollar impact for the state.