TODAY | Parks & Rec Hosting Special Needs Championship Day News General, News Mayor Office, News Parks and Recreation Championship Day Celebrates Tampa's Special Needs[...]

More than 60 special needs adults from 18 into their 40s, all with ties to local support organizations (McDonald's Training Center, Brewster Tech, and the USF Special Needs Group), will be coming to Loretta Ingraham Recreation Center for a great day of activities and information.

"I am so proud of the work being done daily by our City team members, and this effort by Parks and Recreation and Fred Spencer stands out," Mayor Jane Castor said. "We're building up people, building bonds, and making our community stronger and more unified."

Stations include puzzles, cup stacking, and hockey, football, and basketball skills competitions. All athletes will leave with a championship ring, and each of the five teams will get a prize, from overall winner, to heart and hustle, to a trailblazer award, and more.

A Special Olympics representative will be sharing fitness tips with the group and leading a chair yoga class, and a USF nutritionist will discuss healthy eating.

Fred Spencer started the program a decade ago with about 10 participants.

"We love helping everyone in the City, so of course I'm thrilled with how this program has grown," Fred Spencer said. "Thanks to the leadership of Ted Fowler - who started as my supervisor and now leads us as Director of Parks and Recreation - we've grown into a thriving community of nearly 60 participants. His dedication and support have been vital, and there has been so much support from so many people along the way to make Championship Day a success."