Special Olympics Celebrates Summer Games at Disney

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 17, 2009 -- Disney's Wide World of Sports complex recently hosted the 37th annual Special Olympics Florida Summer Games, marking the 23rd year that Walt Disney World Resort has supported the event.



More than 2,000 athletes from 42 Florida counties competed in track and field, soccer, tennis, cycling, bocce and volleyball. Making it possible were more than 1,200 volunteers, including many Disney Cast Members.



"When our Special Olympics athletes have the opportunity to compete at a world-class athletic facility like Disney's Wide World of Sports complex, it's not only an unparalleled competitive experience for them, but they feel like the champions they truly are," said Monty Castevens, president of Special Olympics Florida.