CLERMONT, Fla. Oct. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Special Olympics Florida and its community partners are once again championing inclusion in the workplace as part of the second annual statewide Race for Inclusion.

The 2022 Race for Inclusion will feature a series of races and fundraisers across the state to raise funds to support the nearly 60,000 athletes sponsored by Special Olympics Florida each year. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and can find a full listing of events, dates and locations at RaceforInclusion.org.

But the Race for Inclusion is much more than a fundraiser.

It is a campaign to ensure people with intellectual disabilities (ID) have the opportunities they deserve and an invitation to the Florida business community to demonstrate their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Special Olympics Florida believes such initiatives must consider individuals with intellectual disabilities, a group that makes up 3 percent of the world’s population but who often struggle to find employment due to prejudice and misunderstanding.

“Our athletes – and ID people everywhere – have tremendous potential and truly impressive skills that make them an invaluable part of the workforce and their community,” said Sherry Wheelock, President and CEO of Special Olympics Florida. “Through our sports programs and campaigns like the Race for Inclusion, we spread the word that people with intellectual disabilities can achieve remarkable things. They can be great athletes, employees or students if you give them a chance.”

Some companies already know this.

Special Olympics Florida partners such as Accenture – the official strategy partner of Race for Inclusion – Publix, TD Bank and CSX recognize the talents and potential of people with intellectual disabilities and promote their inclusion in the workplace.

“At Accenture, we have an unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity,” said McIvor Mann, Accenture’s managing director. “Our diversity makes us smarter and more…