Jan. 8, 2026 — Publix Special Olympics athletes continue to show a heartfelt connection to the organization, inspiring support for our annual campaign. One athlete, Jimmy Fricke, is no stranger to competing in Special Olympics events.

Meet Jimmy Fricke

Jimmy began his career with Publix as a front service clerk in 2012 in Jacksonville, Florida, and was promoted to cashier in 2016. He began his Special Olympics journey about 20 years ago in Pennsylvania, before moving to Florida. 

Jimmy competes in a wide range of sports, including golf, pickleball, flag football and soccer. He has won gold in soccer, where he’s a goalkeeper, and finished fourth in the 2024 North America Golf Championship. 

“I train hard and push myself to be the best athlete on the field,” Jimmy said.

Jimmy’s connection with Special Olympics Florida

Jimmy has devoted a great deal of his time to Special Olympics Florida, and he has received plenty in return. He cherishes the relationships he’s built. He met his wife, Megan Bell, developed close friendships with other athletes and bonded with coaches. 

“Opening ceremonies at state games are magical — fireworks, dancing and lots of fun,” he said. 

While Jimmy is an exceptional athlete, his favorite memory involves his now-wife when he was a coach and a player at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.

“One day, Megan was helping me by carrying some things when she passed out from the heat,” said Jimmy. “I was able to call her mom while she was getting fluids, show how much I was concerned about her, and the rest is history. We have been married for four years now!”

The power couple

Jimmy and Megan are known as a power couple when it comes to Special Olympics Florida events. Megan has been involved for 26 years, competing in swimming, surfing and soccer. Just like Jimmy, Megan’s favorite memory of Special Olympics was meeting her spouse. She is a state swimming champion and finished third in the 2022 USA Games. 

Megan was also named the 2025 Special Olympics Florida Athlete of the Year. According to Special Olympics Florida, the award honors an athlete who shows courage, generosity, joy and athletic skill. They also demonstrate leadership, sportsmanship and a commitment to helping others. 

“It didn’t surprise me; what hasn’t she done?” said Jimmy. “She goes out into low-income communities and schools to teach children Zumba. She gives so much back to others, so it didn’t surprise me that she got the award.”

Involvement with Publix

Jimmy has been a Publix associate for 12 years, and his favorite part is working with his fellow teammates and managers. He said it’s even more special because he can show his support for Special Olympics while at work. 

“It is beyond amazing,” said Jimmy. “There are not enough words to say how much fellow athletes and I appreciate Publix and what they do for Special Olympics. It’s a remarkable thing; it’s a blessing.”

Our commitment to Special Olympics

Publix is committed to supporting our associates and Special Olympics athletes across the Southeast. According to Special Olympics Florida, more than 800 athletes are also Publix associates. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and competitions, in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities, as well as critical health screenings and life-changing leadership opportunities. These opportunities give individuals a chance to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy. 

Since 1993, Publix has worked with the organization for an annual register campaign to raise awareness and funds. This year’s campaign runs Jan. 9 – 16. 

Last year, customers and associates helped raise nearly $5.3 million to help athletes train and compete in 2025, bringing the total contributions to more than $81 million since 1993.