Phyllis Crain of Tampa, Florida, has been involved with Special Olympics for the past 10 years. Her passion for working with individuals with intellectual disabilities began at a young age, as her older brother was born with Down syndrome. Experiencing Special Olympics in many roles, from Unified partner to sport manager, Phyllis has coached multiple sports, including basketball, bocce, bowling, cycling, flag football, gymnastics, soccer and stand up paddleboard. She competed in the triathlon event in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games as a Unified partner and coached a Unified soccer team in the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015. She will represent Special Olympics USA as an assistant coach in swimming.
Phyllis is employed with Pasco County School District as a physical education teacher at Cypress Creek High School. Through sports, she has learned how much people from across the world have in common. Through her family, Phyllis has learned how to be a hard worker and team player. Phyllis will carry those traits with her as the participates in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.