Special Olympics

Special Olympics: Caleb Prewitt!

Written by: Tyrah Walker Photos Submitted by: Karen Prewitt

The Special Olympics is a great organization for kids and adults that are a part of the special needs community to participate in athletics year round. Every year, ITG Next gives the Adaptive Athlete Award - an award that is given to the athlete that best represents the Special Olympics organization. This year, the award was given to Caleb Prewitt.

Prewitt is involved in a plethora of sports including golf and swimming, but enjoys running the most with bicycling as a close second. The Special Olympics has been a part of his life since the age of three, starting in the Youth Athletes Program. Over the years, Caleb has learned about athletic training, working with others and inclusion. Being a part of the program has also helped Prewitt with his confidence and fitness. He’s even made some great friends along the way.

COVID-19 caused everything and everyone all over the world to put things on hold, but Prewitt's mom, Karen Prewitt, says that The Special Olympics have been great during the world's craziest time.

“Learning different skills and training throughout the year has helped him stay active and fit,” said Karen. “Even through the pandemic, Special Olympics virtual programming helped him learn new sports and set his sights on new goals.”

With Caleb winning the Adaptive Athlete of the Year award, it also gave him the opportunity to be featured during our Fall Sports Awards Show Banquet. During the banquet we recognized the top high school athletes that play the fall sports: football, volleyball, golf, cross-country, swimming and diving. Typically, it’s held in person but due to the pandemic, ITG Next has gone to hosting the awards show virtually. Caleb also had the opportunity to be featured on our weekly sports show that airs every Saturday on The CW and News4Jax.

“He was thrilled,” said Karen. “Such an honor to receive this award and to be recognized in this way. He hopes to inspire other athletes with differing abilities to keep fit and active.”

Caleb’s mom has advice to give to parents that want to get their child involved, one being that signing up is an easy task to do.

“Local program managers can help identify community and/or school teams that have Special Olympics Florida programs. They’ve all implemented COVID-safe practices to start back with in person training. There are also ongoing virtual program options to choose from so anyone, anywhere can participate.”

For more information on Special Olympics, please visit specialolympics.org

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