Special Olympics First Ever Camp Shriver Held In Sarasota County

June 12, 2024 | Sarasota

Special Olympics Florida is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Camp Shriver in Sarasota County, providing an enriching summer experience for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The camp will run from June 10 to June 14, offering a week of inclusive sports, recreational activities, and camaraderie. It will be located at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School.

Camp Shriver is an inclusive camp that brings together young people with and without disabilities who enjoy camp activities alongside one another. Created by Special Olympics Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver in the 1960s, Camp Shriver is where the Special Olympics movement began.

This initiative is made possible through the generous support of Suncoast Charities for Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs. Suncoast Charities has provided funding to ensure the success of the camp and hopes to continue its support for future summer camp experiences.

“Suncoast Charities is very proud to make the first-ever Camp Shriver summer camp for special athletes a reality here in Sarasota,” said Lucy Nicandri, Executive Director of Suncoast Charities for Children. “We hope to continue our funding support to ensure future camp experiences. I especially want to acknowledge the Sarasota Tarpon Tournament for their generous donation, which helped us reach our fundraising goal for this initiative.”

Camp Shriver emphasizes the importance of inclusion, friendship, and personal growth, providing participants with opportunities to build self-confidence, develop social skills, and foster a sense of belonging within the community.

“Camp Shriver breaks down barriers and promotes understanding,” said Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock. “We are incredibly grateful to Suncoast Charities for Children and to Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School for joining with us to make Camp Shriver possible and for supporting the mission of Special Olympics Florida.”

For more information about Camp Shriver in Sarasota County and Special Olympics Florida’s programs, please visit www.sofl.org or contact Special Olympics Florida West Coast Regional Director Jessica Ott at jessicaott@sofl.org.