About Us

Throughout the semester, you can find UF Special Olympics volunteers right in the middle of campus at Turlington Plaza or the Reitz Union. Tabling allows us to connect directly with UF students, share the mission of inclusion, and allow more opportunities for students to volunteer with Unified Sports.

 If you see us out tabling, come say hi, grab some info and learn how you can become part of UFSO.

Another way we engage the surrounding Gainesville community is by taking part in the UF Homecoming parade, the largest student-run parade in the nation. In this parade, we promote inclusivity by decorating posters, walking alongside Special Olympics athletes and unified partners. Many businesses close, classes are cancelled, and the roads are prepared for cars, trucks, boats, and custom-decorated floats by UF students and other Gainesville organizations.

Partnered with The Tim Tebow Foundation, Night to Shine is a yearly event celebrating young adults with special needs. In Gainesville, FL, we partner with the Florida Gators celebration teams to celebrate a prom night-like experience and celebrate all of the young adults with special needs in Alachua County.

Featuring lights, music, limos, gowns and tuxedos, everyone walks down the red carpet, get various photo opportunities, and is able to have fun alongside their best friends, prom dates, and Unified Partners!

UF Special Olympics was incredibly proud to represent Team Florida in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, a nationally-televised event on ESPN!

Our unified basketball team represented Team Florida, made up of six athletes and four UF unified partners, securing 4th place!

"When you see a team like this out there, you can't really tell who's a Special Olympics athlete and who's a Unified Partner. We are just one team."
- Ethan Faerman, UF Special Olympics President & Unified Partner

Congratulations to all of our athletes, unified partners, and coaches to represent our community and embodying the Gator Nation.