Special Olympics athletes cheered as the third Camp Shriver summer camp kicked off at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota on June 8, 2026.
The Special Olympics athletes were joined by dozens of student volunteers at Cardinal Mooney who warmly welcomed for a weeklong camp from June 8-12. Many of the students were returning volunteers from previous years who said the earlier experience was rewarding, and they delighted in reuniting with some of the athletes.
The athletes were equally excited to be taking part in the camp. One said he loves being outside because it is more fun than being inside all day. Another said she was anxious to make new friends.
Camp Shriver, in partnership with Special Olympics Florida, brought together student volunteers and athletes for a week of friendship, inclusion, and sports. This is the third year Cardinal Mooney hosted the camp, with this year bringing together more athletes than ever.
The week-long camp kicked off June 8, with an opening ceremony. Erin Foster, of Special Olympics Florida, praised Cardinal Mooney for being a host for the camp which allows the athletes to participate in a number of activities while also making lasting friendships.
“Their partnership and dedication to inclusion have helped this camp grow year after year,” Foster said. “They planned an amazing week of sports, activities, new experiences and plenty of fun. This week is about the athletes; celebrating their abilities, building friendships, trying new things, and creating memories that will last long after they leave Cardinal Mooney.”
Elizabeth Chappell, a Cardinal Mooney teacher and camp leader, was overjoyed with how many student volunteers gave up a week of summer vacation to participate. In fact, so many students offered to volunteer that 25 had to be turned away. “That is a wonderful reflection of the caring nature of Cardinal Mooney students.”
Following an opening ceremony, the campers went out to one of the athletic fields to learn about lacrosse from members of the Cardinal Mooney girls’ team. This was followed by time to work on craft projects, a light snack and a chance to cool down. Additional sports and team-building sessions followed throughout the week, all designed to foster confidence, teamwork, and meaningful connections.
Camp Shriver continues the legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, whose vision created opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to thrive through sports.
Chappell said Cardinal Mooney is proud to carry forward that mission, modeling its core values of compassion, community, and service.
Since its inception in Sarasota, Camp Shriver has been made possible through generous funding support from Suncoast Charities for Children, in partnership with the Sarasota Tarpon Tournament.
Lucy Nicandri, Executive Director of Suncoast Charities for Children, said that with approximately 19,000 special athletes across the Suncoast, “our goal is to expand funding in the future to offer as many athletes as possible the opportunity to participate.”
