# @evflorida on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CRi-rn9io8q
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/19862541-evflorida-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/0e320cf18b.jpg
- **Posted:** 2021-07-20T11:01:04.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Engel & Völkers Florida (@evflorida) — https://gondola.cc/evflorida

## Caption

Engel & Völkers is a proud champion of Special Olympics, specifically focused on creating more inclusive communities through its Athlete Leadership and Play Unified programs. We are committed to giving back to and investing in the neighborhoods our clients desire because these too are the places in which we live, play, and raise our families. 

For Engel & Völkers Jacksonville advisor, Julie Bussey this mission is very important. Julie's 36-year-old daughter, Amanda is one of the most decorated Special Olympians. Amanda has won more than 48 medals in Special Olympics competitions. She has earned those medals in six sports: golf, bowling, basketball, soccer, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. In addition to her intellectual disability, Amanda is deaf because of spinal meningitis that nearly killed her when she was 2 years old. She mostly communicates with her eyes, gestures and smile — all of which speak volumes.

Amanda's headed to next year’s Special Olympics U.S. Games right here in Orlando, Florida for golf. She qualified under the alternate-shot format, which pairs a Special Olympian with a family member or friend — they then take turns hitting shots on each hole for a team score. In her case, she's teamed up with Jane Verkouten, a retired banker from Charlotte, N.C., who never imagined herself playing a sport on a national stage before she met Amanda – a match orchestrated by Robin Luck, club member whose son Ryan also plays Special Olympics golf.

Special Olympics athletes contribute to our story. From them we learn, we think differently and realize what we can accomplish as individuals, as local brokerages, and together across time zones and borders—it's a common good that unites us. Every hour given, every dollar donated, every kind word spoken and every door opened creates opportunities for those who need it most.
.
.
.
#EVFlorida #EVAmericas #EngelVölkers #EngelVoelkers #realestate #realtor #floridarealestate #Jacksonville #specialolympics #inclusionrevolution #choosetoinclude #inclusion #downsyndrome #olympics #specialneeds #autismawareness #inclusionmatters #disability #sports #golf #golfing #athlete #specialolympian #playunified

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 62
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 2

## Tags

jacksonville, disability, realestate, inclusionmatters, inclusion, floridarealestate, choosetoinclude, athlete, golfing, evamericas, engelvölkers, autismawareness, engelvoelkers, sports, specialolympian, evflorida, playunified, inclusionrevolution, downsyndrome, realtor, golf, specialolympics, specialneeds, olympics

---
Copyright (c) Gondola