On December 3rd, Key Largo School hosted a national conference visit from Special Olympics programs around the country showing their development and continued success with the Special Olympics Junior Athletes program. KLS has piloted a Junior Athletes Pickleball program and for this conference, they were able to showcase what inclusive, developmentally appropriate physical education can look like in action.
In 2024, Special Olympics Florida was selected to join a Junior Athletes pilot project facilitated by Special Olympics International. Since then, Florida has emerged as a leader in expanding and adapting this program, helping shape a stronger, more inclusive model for children across North America.
Monroe County is proud to highlight the incredible impact of the Junior Athletes program, a non-competitive, inclusive sports program designed for children ages 6–12 with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through fun, structured lessons, students develop physical literacy, build confidence, and discover the joy of sport—together.
Key Largo School's leadership continues to elevate opportunities for young athletes and demonstrate the powerful impact inclusive sports can have on child development and school culture.