What is the mission of Special Olympics
Florida?
The mission of Special Olympics
Florida is to provide year-round sports
training and competition in a variety
of Olympic-type sports for people
with intellectual disabilities who wish
to participate, giving them continuing
opportunities to develop physical fitness,
demonstrate courage, experience joy
and participate in the sharing of gifts,
skills, and friendship with their families,
other Special Olympics athletes, and the
community.
How many sports are supported by
Special Olympics Florida?
Eighteen different sports and multiple
teams per sport: Athletics, Bocce,
Cycling, Tennis, Soccer, Volleyball,
Equestrian, Swimming, Surfing, Golf,
Bowling, Gymnastics, Powerlifting,
Softball, Flag Football, Cheerleading,
Stand Up Paddle, and Basketball.
What are some ways that the
organization cultivates volunteers?
I am a true believer of networking
and am currently an ambassador of
three different Chambers: FWB,
Destin, and Niceville/Valparaiso. I am
the vice president of Emerald Coast
Public Relations, the past membership
chairperson for the Destin Woman’s
Club, a volunteer at Bruner Middle
School, and a member of First Baptist
Church of Mary Esther. I try to keep
Special Olympics in the forefront, always
looking for new athletes, volunteers,
coaches, and sponsors.
Where does funding come from?
Special Olympics Florida is a not-
for-profit organization that is funded
primarily through individual and
corporate contributions. Each county
is responsible for fundraising locally
to budget for sports offered within
their county. Special Olympics Florida
receives no money from The Kennedy
Foundation.
What is the most rewarding part
of your involvement with the
organization?
Seeing the smiles on the faces of the
athletes and being greeted daily with
hugs – doesn’t get better than that!
Through sports, wellness, and athlete
leadership training, Special Olympics
provide a community where athletes
have a lifelong opportunity to develop
physically, socially, and emotionally.
The parents, teachers, and I witness the
athlete’s transformation from a cocoon to
a butterfly.
What is one thing you want readers to
know about Special Olympics Florida?
The most common question asked is
“When is Special Olympics?” Special
Olympics is not one event, we are 365
days. We have 18 sports with training and
competition throughout the year.
Special Olympics Florida is made up
of one humbling paid position as the
county director and the rest involved
are volunteers; with no other paid staff
in the county. volunteers are vital
and are the backbone of the Special
Olympics movement enabling Special
Olympics to offer sports training and
competition on a worldwide basis.
Special Olympics would not exist today
without the time, energy, dedication,
and commitment of volunteers. We are
always in need of year-round, and day-
of volunteers. Commitment of time for
volunteers ranges to fill a variety of roles:
sports training/management, sports
competition, administration, families/
athlete outreach, finance/fundraising,
office support, public information, and
promotion/social media and website. We
need YOU!
Interview with Pamela Sparks, Okaloosa County Director
Special Olympics Florida
The ultimate objective of Special Olympics Florida is to help people
with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected
members of society at large.
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