Special Olympics Florida and Publix Super Markets light the torch for athletes with intellectual disabilities

Press release from Special Olympics Florida and Publix

CLERMONT, Fla. – Special Olympics Florida and Publix Super Markets are teaming up once again on a mission-driven collaboration to help Special Olympics athletes throughout Florida and the southeast United States.

From January 12 through 21, 2024, the organizations will hold the annual Torch Icon Campaign at Publix, bringing together Publix associates, customers, and local communities to support more than 68,000 Special Olympics athletes in Florida and beyond. The first Torch Icon Campaign was held in 1993.

During the campaign, customers who visit their local Publix can help support their state’s athletes with a donation. All customers who donate will receive over $25 in coupon savings, including exclusive savings on Procter & Gamble brands like Crest, Always, Olay, Old Spice, Gillette, and Pampers. Donations can be made at the register during check out for as little as $1 or a specific desired amount. 

Local athlete: Kiondre “Keke” Brown

Kiondre “Keke” Brown is an all-around athlete. Part of Special Olympics Florida for almost a decade, he’s competed in track and field, basketball, bowling, flag football, and soccer.

On the basketball court, he’s a bona fide star, leading his Unified basketball team to a national championship in 2023. During the five-game tournament, Kiondre averaged 27 points a game – and even managed to surprise himself. 

“I was just shooting threes… and people were like, ‘This kid never stops.'”

Kiondre has also won a bronze medal at the Special Olympics USA Games (in football) and represented Special Olympics USA in Unified basketball at the 2023 World Games. 

Kiondre works at a sandwich shop and, when he has a little down time, makes music and spends time with the friends he’s made through Special Olympics.

Campaign has raised over $71 million

Since 1993, more than $71 million dollars has been raised through the Torch Icon Campaign, helping Special Olympics athletes to develop their physical and mental wellness, demonstrate courage, and experience the power of sports with their family, friends, and their local communities. Publix has supported Special Olympics Florida and its athletes for more than 50 years.

“When Special Olympics Florida was founded in 1972, Publix was there, supporting our athletes from the very beginning,” said Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock. “They have been with us ever since, stepping up and working tirelessly to ensure the success of the annual Torch Icon Campaign. We are profoundly grateful to Publix associates and customers for being part of the Special Olympics Florida team.”

Both Special Olympics Florida and Publix have a long history of working to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Florida offers year-round sports training and competition, critical health services, leadership development, and inclusive programming for its athletes. Publix employs many of those athletes and, for decades, has encouraged people with disabilities to become Publix associates.

“We are honored to support Special Olympics Florida in showing the world the incredible talents and gifts of its athletes and all people with intellectual disabilities,” said Hannah Herring, Publix media relations manager. “The annual Torch Icon Campaign is a highlight of the year for our associates, and we are proud to be part of such an inspiring mission.”

Special Olympics Florida serves more than 63,000 athletes who compete at the local, state, national and international levels. In addition to training and competition for these athletes, Special Olympics Florida provides more than $2 million in free medical screenings for thousands of Floridians with intellectual disabilities through its health programs, including much-needed access to free prescription glasses and hearing aids.

To learn more about the Torch Icon Campaign, please visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.