Special Olympics brings triumph to Benderson Park

After 4,800 yards of non-stop exertion, Daniel Fundora jumped off his paddle board, landing on the warm sand.

Exhausted and sweaty from the long, hot race on Saturday at Nathan Benderson Park, Fundora sprinted toward the finish line with a look that expressed total happiness.

Raising his hands, with his family, coaches and friends surrounding him, he demonstrated the meaning of Special Olympics in one defining moment. It was the triumph of competition.

On Aug. 27, 130 adult athletes competed in the Special Olympic's Florida Triathlon, which included cycling, paddle boarding and running. The Special Olympic's Florida is a program that provides intellectually disabled adults and children with free year-around fitness training so that they can be healthier and more confident. 

Islamorada's LeeAnne Holroyd talked about how much her son, Matthew, has enjoyed this program.  

"Matthew's so happy about all of the friends he's made, he loves the water, and he's always very happy for other people [when they do well]," Holroyd said. "His coach, Lou, is absolutely phenomenal. "

Fort Myers' Steve Sherman, who watched the race, talked about how he had never been to a Special Olympics event until recently.

"The spirit of the sport and how they all help each other, it's really enjoyable to watch," Sherman said.