Special Olympics Florida athletes received a star-studded sendoff at Orlando International Airport as they prepared to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. The event was filled with excitement, featuring signs, pom-poms, and high-fives from cheering fans. More than 130 athletes will represent Team Florida at the games, which will take place from June 20 to June 26. MaryAnn Gonzalez, who will compete in golf, shared her pride in representing her state. “It means a lot to me to represent my state, to go out and do my best and show the state they picked the right person to represent Team Florida,” Gonzalez said. She also emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, “It means a lot to be with a unified partner. You get to interact with someone and you talk in the golf cart, and it makes you be a team as one.” Daniel Steele, another golfer representing Team Florida, expressed his excitement for the opportunity. “It’s a great opportunity for me, and I have played golf and I will do my best to stay calm and I can do anything,” Steele said. He added, “I like the great experience of the course, help me relax and golf really well just like Tiger Woods.” These athletes are ready to compete and aim for gold at the upcoming games.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Special Olympics Florida athletes received a star-studded sendoff at Orlando International Airport as they prepared to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.
The event was filled with excitement, featuring signs, pom-poms, and high-fives from cheering fans. More than 130 athletes will represent Team Florida at the games, which will take place from June 20 to June 26.
MaryAnn Gonzalez, who will compete in golf, shared her pride in representing her state.
“It means a lot to me to represent my state, to go out and do my best and show the state they picked the right person to represent Team Florida,” Gonzalez said.
She also emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, “It means a lot to be with a unified partner. You get to interact with someone and you talk in the golf cart, and it makes you be a team as one.”
Daniel Steele, another golfer representing Team Florida, expressed his excitement for the opportunity.
“It’s a great opportunity for me, and I have played golf and I will do my best to stay calm and I can do anything,” Steele said.
He added, “I like the great experience of the course, help me relax and golf really well just like Tiger Woods.”
These athletes are ready to compete and aim for gold at the upcoming games.