Special Olympics Florida recently announced the selection of six new members for its Hall of Fame.
The inductees are athletes, coaches, and volunteers who embody the spirit of Special Olympics Florida, and who champion the principles of inclusion and acceptance. They are individuals who lift up those around them and carry Special Olympics Florida’s message throughout the state.
“The Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is made up of some truly exceptional individuals – people who have made tremendous contributions to our mission, to the greater community, and to people with intellectual disabilities everywhere,” said Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock. “We are thrilled to recognize their achievements and so grateful to have them as part of the Special Olympics Florida team.”
The new Special Olympics Florida Hall of Fame members are:
Chris Nikic, Seminole County
In November 2020, Nikic made history by becoming the first person with Down syndrome to complete a full IRONMAN® race. Since then, he’s run multiple marathons – including the New York City and Boston races – and captured two gold medals at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. He is a published author, a sought-after public speaker, the winner of two ESPY Awards, a Guinness Book World Record holder, a Laureus Global Ambassador, and a Special Olympics Global Ambassador.
Marlynne Stutzman, Pasco County
A former Pasco County Athlete of the Year, Stutzman is such a strong swimmer she earned the nickname “The Fish.” She is a USA Games gold medal winner and a state champion. She has run the world-famous Boston Marathon and competed in several triathlons. In 2023, she completed a full IRONMAN® at the World IRONMAN® Championship in Kona, Hawaii. In doing so, she became the first person with autism to run the Boston Marathon and complete the course in Kona. Off the field, Stutzman is an Athlete Leader who speaks to community groups and supports her fellow athletes.
Clayton Gage, Brevard County
For more than 30 years, Gage has been an indispensable ambassador for the Special Olympics movement. A multi-sport athlete, he is regularly in the community, sharing our mission and his story. He has twice competed at the Special Olympics USA Games, winning two gold medals in Unified softball. In 2016, he was inducted into the Brevard County Space Coast Hall of Fame. He is the consummate team player and serves as an informal mentor to other athletes. He does whatever is necessary to support his fellow athletes, including providing rides to and from practices and games.
Ron Fulop, Palm Beach County
Ron Fulop has dedicated more than 30 years of his life to supporting the mission of Special Olympics Florida. The father of Special Olympics Florida Hall of Fame Athlete Lindsay Fulop, he has served on the Board of Directors for both Special Olympics Florida and the Special Olympics USA Games. He has been closely involved in fundraising efforts, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. His annual fundraiser at The Loxahatchee Club in Jupiter, Florida, generates at least $75,000 annually. Fulop also played a crucial role in securing a partnership with Jersey Mike’s Subs — a game-changing relationship that brings significant financial support and public awareness to our organization and our athletes.
Hope Jacobson, Miami-Dade County
Hope Jacobson began volunteering with Special Olympics Florida in 1974 and has served in virtually every volunteer role possible. She has been a coach, mentor, Unified partner, trainer, games manager, event chair, and Camp Shriver counselor. In more than 50 years of service, she has touched countless lives and been a fierce advocate for our athletes and our mission. Her passion for our work is evident in everything she does, right down to the Special Olympics-branded socks she wears. She is a past winner of the Bill Crutchfield Award for Distinguished Service and the Special Olympics Florida Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Paul Sallarulo, Broward County
Paul Sallarulo has supported the mission of Special Olympics for more than 50 years. He began as a teenager – working with individual athletes – and today is best known as the founder of Broward County’s “Race for Champions” 5K fundraiser. The father of a Special Olympics Florida athlete, Sallarulo launched the Race for Champions in 2006, building it into one of South Florida’s most beloved fundraising events. To date, the event has raised more than $7 million. Sallarulo also previously served as the chairperson of Broward County’s Special Olympics Florida county management team.
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About Special Olympics Florida
Founded in 1972, Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training and competition, crucial health services, and life-changing leadership programs to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It serves more than 75,000 Special Olympics athletes annually, at no cost to athletes or their families. To learn more, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.
