Special Olympics Florida-Monroe County athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 State Fall Classic at ESPN Wide World of Sports, held Nov. 13 to 16 in Orlando, bringing home numerous awards across powerlifting, flag football and pickleball. Representing schools and community programs from Key West to Key Largo, athletes showcased determination, strength, and sportsmanship on the statewide stage.
Powerlifting champions included Coral Shores High School’s Gordon Gomila, coached by Erin Hamilton, who earned third place in the male deadlift competition. Marathon High School’s Cindy Augustin and Alex Chavala, both coached by Cathy Warner, brought home gold medals in female and male Combination 2 lifts, respectively.
Monroe County athletes also excelled in pickleball, a fast-growing sport in the region. Christopher Gregory from Key West High School and Alicia Di Giuseppe from Horace O’Bryant School teamed up to claim second place in Unified Doubles under coach Stephanie Hill. Ray Moreno from Key West, also coached by Hill, earned second place in the skills division. Anthony Mestre and Emmett Willis, from Treasure Village Montessori, captured first place in their Unified Doubles bracket, coached by Cricket Magee.
In flag football, Key Largo School’s junior-level Unified team, coached by Jose Zepada, took home a gold medal. Coral Shores’ senior-level Unified team, coached by Matt Ooms, finished in fourth place, as did the Key West Conchs masters-level traditional team, coached by Randy Acevedo and Angel Torres.
The Monroe County delegation of 51 athletes, Unified partners, coaches and chaperones experienced a weekend that went beyond competition. The delegation took part in an opening ceremony that featured visits from Mickey and Minnie Mouse and their Disney character friends. The ceremonial lighting of the torch culminated in a state-of-the-art fireworks show.
During the weekend, Monroe County also honored its 2025 Inspirational Award recipients. Di Giuseppe earned the title of Inspirational Partner of the Year, while Warner was named the Inspirational Coach of the Year. Linnea Edwards was the county’s Inspirational Athlete of the Year.
“These results reflect the dedication of our athletes, coaches, and families,” said Ruth Coleman, sports training and competition director for Special Olympics Florida-Monroe County. “From record lifts in powerlifting to the teamwork displayed in pickleball and the bravery on the football field, Monroe County athletes continue to inspire our community through inclusion and perseverance.”
Next up for Special Olympians are the spring and summer seasons for bocce, soccer, basketball, cheerleading, cycling and track and field.
