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First-ever surfing event makes a splash at Special Olympics USA Games

ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s another history-making day at the Special Olympics USA Games.

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Team Florida athletes are getting ready to complete in the first-ever surfing event at the games at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

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Several of the athletes have been surfing for more than a decade, but mostly on the ocean.

The competition will be a little different for Team Florida, going from the ocean to a wave pool. They’ve spent the last two months practicing and planning for their moment in the water.

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Special Olympics Florida started its surfing program in 2009, and South Carolina is the only other state with a team in this year’s competition.

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Joe Kepner

Joe Kepner, WFTV.com

I unloaded the U-Haul in Orlando in 2008, just in time to cover the Magic's run to the 2009 NBA Finals.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.