Special Olympics Florida — Monroe County is proud to announce the athletes and Unified partners who have qualified to compete at the 2025 State Fall Classic, which will take place Nov. 13 to 16 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. These talented individuals have demonstrated dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the season, earning their place among the best athletes in the state.
Powerlifting champions include, from Coral Shores High School, Heyden Michael Fenney in Combo 3 (squat, bench press and deadlift) and Gordon Gomila in deadlift; and from Marathon, Cindy Augustin in Female Combo 2 (bench press and squat) and Luis “Alex” Chavala in Male Combo 2.
Monroe County athletes also excelled in pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the region. Christopher Gregory and Alicia Di Giuseppe, along with Anthony Mestre and Emmett Willis, qualified in Unified Doubles, while Ray Moreno will represent in pickleball skills.
Pickleball and powerlifting athletes qualified at the regional competition held on Oct. 4 at Nova Southeastern University. Although Monroe County’s football teams could not compete that day due to a weather cancellation, the Key West Conchs made up their games on Oct. 20, also at Nova Southeastern University. The Conchs secured two consecutive victories against Our Pride Academy (OPA), earning their place as south region representatives at this year’s State Fall Classic.
The Keys’ flag football champions include Coral Shores High School at the Unified Flag Football Senior Level 4, Key Largo School at the Unified Flag Football Junior Level 4, and Key West in Traditional Flag Football Masters Level 4.
Special Olympics Florida – Monroe County congratulates all the athletes, coaches and Unified partners for their achievements and commitment to inclusion through sport. Their journey to the State Fall Classic represents athletic excellence and the spirit of unity that defines the Special Olympics movement.
“We’re incredibly proud of our athletes and partners for their hard work, perseverance, and teamwork,” said Ruth Coleman, sports training and competition director for Special Olympics Florida – Monroe County. “They’ve overcome challenges, trained passionately and continue to inspire our entire community. Representing Monroe County on the state stage is a tremendous accomplishment—and a celebration of inclusion, friendship and determination.”
The teams extend gratitude to all their supporters this season: the Ocean Reef Community Foundation, Keys Shuttle, the Fred Klauss Family Foundation, Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament, Mission Fishin’, the city of Marathon, and the Monroe County School District.
Their continued generosity allows athletes of all abilities to train, travel and compete — free of charge — throughout the Florida Keys.
For more information or to support Special Olympics Florida – Monroe County programs, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org/monroe.
