November 8th, 2024
BRIGHTLINE AND PARTNER ORLANDO HEALTH WELCOME 200 SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA ATHLETES ONBOARD
MIAMI (November 8, 2024) – Yesterday, Brightline teamed up with Special Olympics Florida and Orlando Health to host more than 200 athletes, coaches and volunteers heading to the State Fall Classic Games in Orlando. The group received an inspiring send-off at Brightline MiamiCentral and warm welcome at the Brightline Orlando Station in partnership with Orlando Health to cheer them on for a weekend of competition.
“Transportation is one of the biggest challenges and costs for athletes and their families traveling to Central Florida to compete, and Brightline is proud to provide the connection,” said Ali Soule, VP of Community Relations for Brightline. “Special Olympics Florida is an inspiring organization for anyone who has seen these athletes and volunteers in action, and we thank them for bringing their smiles and energy to Brightline.”
In Miami, Burnie, the Miami HEAT’s mascot, Billy the Marlin, the Miami Marlins’ mascot, and Brightline teammates cheered and celebrated athletes as they departed. In Orlando, Scrubs, Orlando Health’s canine mascot, along with Brightline teammates and volunteers surprised athletes with a warm welcome. Food and refreshments were graciously donated by Pepsi, Zuma & Sons and Cheney Brothers. The athletes will return to South Florida via Brightline on Saturday and Sunday.
Brightline's partnership with Special Olympics Florida and Orlando Health reflects a shared commitment to inclusivity and community support. Accessing healthcare and transportation can be challenging for people with intellectual disabilities, and this collaboration highlights how Brightline, Orlando Health, and Special Olympics Florida are working together to provide athletes with essential services. Once at the games, athletes will receive free health screenings provided by Orlando Health.
“This is an amazing opportunity for our South Florida athletes competing in the State Fall Classic,” said Special Olympics Florida Chief Development and Marketing Officer Linsey Smith. “We are so grateful to our partners at Brightline and Orlando Health for working with us to provide a truly unforgettable experience for the athletes and their families.”
“Orlando Health continues its proud partnership with Brightline as we welcome these talented athletes to the State Fall Classic.” said Cary D’Ortona, President, Orlando Health Medical Group and Vice Chair, Board of Directors Special Olympics Florida. “Our healthcare system stands ready to support the Special Olympics and their athletes’ journey to greatness.”
The State Fall Classic is one of the biggest competitions on Special Olympics Florida’s calendar. More than 1,000 athletes from across the state will travel to Orlando to compete in six different sports on November 8 and 9. Fall Classic sports include flag football, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, pickleball, powerlifting, and softball.
Brightline’s trains are the most ADA compliant in the nation, and all stations exceed or meet ADA regulations.
For more information on the State Fall Classic visit https://www.specialolympicsflorida.org/events and for Brightline, visit www.gobrightline.com.
ABOUT BRIGHTLINE
Brightline seamlessly connects travelers to top destinations and major events between Central and South Florida. Brightline seamlessly connects travelers to top destinations and major events between Central and South Florida. Brightline is recognized as one of TIME100’s Most Influential Companies of 2024. It is also recognized by Inc. 5000 Regionals as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the Southeast for 2023 and is one of the World’s 50 Most Innovative by Fast Company in 2024. Brightline offers a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road. The company plans to bring its award-winning service to additional city pairs and congested corridors across the country that are too close to fly and too long to drive, with immediate plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visit www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Contacts
Brightline
Mike Hicks, media relations
mhicks@bltrain.com or 786-261-1448
Special Olympics
Jim Stratton, communications director – jimstratton@sofl.org or 352-630-3285
Linsey Smith, chief development and marketing officer – LinseySmith@sofl.org or 305-972-8749