On March 24-25, Special Olympics Florida hosted its State Equestrian Championship at Grand Oaks Resort in Weirsdale, Fla. One hundred sixty Special Olympics athletes from across the state competed during the two-day event in a variety of English and Western events, giving them the opportunity to show their abilities in drill team, driving, dressage, pole bending, barrel racing, trails, and equitation. As part of the Healthy Athletes – Special Smiles program, athletes also had the opportunity to have free dental exams.
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition, and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected, and contributing members of their communities. To learn more, visitwww.specialolympicsflorida.org.