Social Entrepreneur
SETTING GOALS, Breaking Records,
Changing Lives
SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA Unites Athletes and Communities By Elyssa Coultas
M
ary Ann Gonzalez filtered throughout the foster care system all of her life. Uprooted and relocated countless times, Gonzalez felt alone and lost. At age 8, she got involved with the Special Olympics. Immediately, her coaches and teammates supported her, encouraged her and helped her find footing. They quickly became family. The sense of cohesiveness and spirit she found in Special Olympics allowed her to dream big and set goals for her professional and academic life. Years later, while attending college, Gonzalez began to struggle in her courses despite her confidence and sense of purpose. On the edge of her seat in the front row of her classrooms, she strained to grasp the lessons.
Knowing the Special Olympics program provides free health examinations through its Healthy Athletes program, 54 | APRIL 2019 | i4Biz.com
