ORLANDO, Fla. – The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games are officially underway in Orlando. This is the largest USA Games in history, bringing over 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean.

What You Need To Know

  • 2022 Special Olympics USA Opening Ceremony was Saturday

  • Events start on Monday and continue throughout the week

  • This even is expected to bring 125,000 spectators

There’s also 125,000 spectators expected in the Orlando area to watch the Games. Spectrum News 13 got to talk with some of them before they watched the Opening Ceremony.

It’s not just the spectators who are excited to see the Games, athletes can barely hold in their excitement. But one family’s journey to the Special Olympics was truly unique.

Dave and Lisa Dillon are supporting their daughter Erica, who is competing in soccer on the Maryland team.

“This is incredible! We are so proud. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said the Dillion’s.

But they almost didn’t make it when they found out Erica couldn’t play due to her vaccination status. Erica suffers from a disease, which her parents tell me the COVID-19 vaccine wasn’t safe for her condition. Even with a medical exception, she still wasn’t allowed to compete. 

All of the sudden she got the nod and things went really quick,” said the Dillion’s

Thursday, Special Olympics, Inc. changed its policy after the state of Florida threatened $27.5 million dollars in fines saying the organization was violating state law. The Dillions found out she could play on Friday. Next thing Erica knows, she’s on a flight to Orlando and is now ready to compete.

Erica’s first game is Wednesday. Her parents tell Spectrum News 13 they can’t wait to see their daughter on the field.