One of our longest-running community partnerships dates back to 1972, when Mr. George did something special for a group of athletes. He paid the airfare for the entire team of Florida Special Olympics athletes to attend the second World Games in Los Angeles.

Our commitment to Special Olympics continues today. Publix is the premier sponsor of the Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run and sponsors several local games and events. In addition, many Special Olympics athletes throughout our operating area are proud to work at Publix.

Our customers get involved, too. Each year during the Pass the Torch campaign, customers can choose to donate $1, $3, $5 or $10 at checkout to help provide year-round training for and entry to Olympic-style individual and team competitions.

Many associates — like Meat Retail Improvement Specialist Louis Barr — support Special Olympics by volunteering at local games and events. For three years, Louis has combined his hobbies of photography and surfing as a volunteer at the annual Special Olympics State Surfing Championship in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Each year, athletes of all ages from around the country gather at the beach to compete in surfing. An avid surfer himself, Louis takes photos during the event and distributes them to the athletes. In addition to doing his part to make a difference in his community, Louis is proud of the positive things attendees say about Publix’s support of and involvement with Special Olympics.

“I’m so proud our company sponsors this event and others around the Southeast,” he said. “These athletes compete as hard as anyone, and to see the joy on their faces as they surf is truly a life-changing experience for them and their families.”