May 16, 2025 — Two Publix Special Olympics athletes are preparing to go for the gold this month during their state Summer Games. Daymond LaMarr and Paige Soderman will both participate in their states’ Summer Games. Publix also has athletes who compete year-round, like Rolando Castillo, who is no stranger to Special Olympics events. 

Meet Daymond LaMarr of Special Olympics Virginia

Daymond is a front service clerk at #1593, Richmond, Virginia, who started working for Publix in 2023. He began his Special Olympics journey in Japan before moving to the U.S. in 2009.

Daymond’s favorite event is golf, but he also competes in basketball and softball. “One of my favorite memories is hitting an inside-the-park grand slam during a softball game,” Daymond said.

A dedicated athlete, Daymond has won around 30 medals at state competitions and other Special Olympics events, including the World Games in Shanghai and Los Angeles. 

“I want to go out there and be a good teammate,” said Daymond. “Most importantly, I want to have fun.” 

He looks forward to competing with his fellow Special Olympics Virginia athletes during the Summer Games in Richmond, Virginia, June 6 – 7. 

Meet Paige Soderman of Special Olympics North Carolina

Paige is a front service clerk at #1473, Asheville, North Carolina, who started working at Publix in 2024. She first got involved with Special Olympics when she was 8 years old. A decorated athlete with over 100 medals, she currently competes in swimming and soccer. 

“Soccer is my favorite,” said Paige. “I want to play on the U.S. Women’s National Team one day.” 

Paige has previously participated in alpine skiing, cheerleading, track and golf events. She is also a Global Messenger for Special Olympics, a role that allows her to be a spokesperson for the organization. 

“I love being a Special Olympics athlete,” said Paige. “It gives me the opportunity to make new friends, compete against new teams and be a leader in my community.”

Paige looks forward to going for the gold in swimming during the upcoming Summer Games in Raleigh, North Carolina, May 30 – June 1. 

Meet Rolando Castillo of Special Olympics Florida

Rolando is a front service clerk at #238, Miami, who has worked for Publix for 10 years. He began his Special Olympics Florida journey in 2024, and his main event is powerlifting. 

“When I first started powerlifting, it was scary,” said Rolando. “I put in a lot of practice, and now, I love it.” 

In 2024, Rolando attended Special Olympics Florida’s State Fall Classic in Orlando, Florida, where he received his first gold medal. 

“Winning the gold was incredible,” said Rolando. “I love being a Special Olympics Florida athlete because it shows I’m capable of anything.”

Today, he continues powerlifting and wants to keep pushing himself to the next level.

Our commitment to Special Olympics

Publix is committed to supporting our associates and Special Olympics athletes in the states where Publix operates. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round training and competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities. These opportunities allow individuals to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy. 

Since 1993, Publix has worked on an annual register campaign to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics state programs across the southeast U.S. This year’s effort helped raise nearly $5.3 million for athletes to train and compete in 2025, with total contributions of more than $81 million.