Thousands of athletes to attend Special Olympics USA Games in Central Florida – WFTV Orlando

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Crews are getting ready right now for the Special Olympics USA Games in Central Florida.

Officials said this year, the games will be bigger than ever.

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Disney Live Entertainment announced it will be producing the opening ceremonies for this year’s games.

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 Florida

Thousands of athletes to attend Special Olympics USA Games at Walt Disney World

Special 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.

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Officials 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. “We have worked for 50 years to ensure that our athletes are treated with the respect and compassion they deserve, and we will continue our efforts to build communities of inclusion and acceptance all across Florida.”

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The Special Olympics USA Games is set to kick off at Walt Disney World on June 5.

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