n July 20, 2008 something remarkable occurred:Special Olympics marked its 40th anniversary. Four decadesago, a group o pioneering athletes and volunteers gathered atChicago’s Soldier Field or the very rst Special Olympics games.Guided by little more than a spirit o experimentation, and thedetermination and vision o Eunice Kennedy Shriver, what theywere attempting was more than novel -- it was a watershedmoment in the history o people with intellectual disabilities.What was set in motion was a movement that would changethe world’s opportunities or, and perception o, children andadults with intellectual disabilities. And I would bet that, uponrefection, we would all acknowledge that our lives have beenaected by the power o Special Olympics to some degree.Yet despite our collective eorts, we ace the reality thatpeople with intellectual disability are still amongst the mostdisenranchised people in the world. Dignity, respect, andinclusion are things our athletes are too oten denied by society.Thereore, we are embarking on a national campaign toencourage everyone to “Be a an” o Special Olympics.Through involvement, through support, and throughunderstanding, people with and without developmentaldisabilities can create a world o inclusion and acceptance.We’re inviting everyone to become ans o Special Olympics byreminding people that the qualities we all admire and aspire to-- unity, acceptance, empowerment, dignity, courage, strength,pride, condence and un -- are demonstrated every day, by theathletes o Special Olympics.As a “an” o Special Olympics Florida, your compassion,commitment and support make Special Olympics a reality orthe 15,000 athletes with intellectual disability whom we serve.I encourage you to help create more “ans” by spreading the word,enlightening others, and bringing riends and colleagues to ourevents (our games are something better experienced than readabout). We hope this annual report will give you a glimpse intoour organization and how you, as a supporter, play an invaluablerole in helping us accomplish our goals on an annual basis.On behal o everyone at Special Olympics Florida, I thank youor your support and encourage you to make Special OlympicsFlorida a part o your charitable giving and volunteer eortsthroughout the year!
Monty Castevens
President/CEOSpecial Olympics FloridaFan since 1972
mEssAGE From THE prEsidEnT
007 Annual Report
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