Since 1972, Publix has partnered with Special Olympics to support athletes all over the Southeast. It began when Mr. George paid the airfare for a team of Florida Special Olympics athletes to attend the second World Games in Los Angeles, and it continues today with a premier sponsorship of Law Enforcement Torch Runs across the Southeast.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympians are able to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, nurture friendships and share their skills with their communities and other athletes.

Publix’s partnership includes this month’s Pass the Torch campaign, in which customers can donate $1, $3, $5 or $10 at checkout. Last year, customers and associates contributed more than $4.8 million to ensure athletes could train and compete free of cost.

Many associates also contribute by volunteering at Special Olympics events. Bakery Clerk Jessica Hyer, #1489, Savannah, Georgia, is an avid community volunteer, including Special Olympics. She has volunteered with her family, helping to fit athletes for shoes or inserts. She called it a life-changing and humbling experience.

Other associates — like Front Service Clerk Taylor Simpson, #1106, Windermere, Florida — compete. Taylor has been involved with Special Olympics since he was 8 years old. For the past 15 years, he has competed in bowling, track and field, basketball and swimming. He’s medaled in many of the events and enjoys the opportunity to stay in shape and be with his friends.

Most recently, Taylor and Front Service Clerks Ryan Letcher, Shelby Forester, #1106, and Alec Nachtsheim, #761, Ocoee, Florida, won medals at the state swimming championship held Oct. 1 in Sebastian, Florida. These associates train hard during their free time and stay busy all year with competitions.

Visit www.specialolympics.org to learn more about the organization’s history, for a full list of sports offered or to find volunteer opportunities.