David Mallis’ Special Olympics Florida resume goes back 30 years and includes virtually every role possible. He’s an athlete and Athlete Leader, a former member of the Special Olympics Florida board, and a 2002 inductee into the Special Olympics Florida Hall of Fame. He’s also a coach who has coached his sister in two different sports.
He is passionate about fighting for inclusion for all people with intellectual disabilities. David has advocated for Special Olympics in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., explaining to state and federal lawmakers the benefits of Unified Sports and Unified Champion Schools. He dreams of a day when people with ID receive the respect and opportunities that everyone deserves.
“There have been a lot of changes in Special Olympics, but changes are good,” he said. “The program has grown and I have played a big part in that by bringing athletes in from other schools. I do not stop. I work very hard helping Special Olympics. I always include my sister and other people. Special Olympics is not a small program, it can grow more and more.”