Cape athlete heads to Special Olympics USA Games
Adam Johnson is an athletic jack of all trades.
From bowling, to tennis, to paddle boarding, to pickleball, the 20-year-old Cape Coral native can do it all, and do it well.
That’s why Johnson was selected as an athlete to represent Team Florida at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota this June.
This summer, the 10-year Special Olympics Florida veteran will take his talents to the pickleball court to compete in singles and doubles action representing the Sunshine State.
“Very excited,” Johnson said when asked how he feels to be able to travel and take part in a sport he loves on a grand stage.
The fastest-growing sport in the county got Johnson’s attention after being a long-time participant in a similar sport, tennis.
“I was very good at tennis, so I tried pickleball,” he said. “I’ve been playing pickleball for three years.”
Johnson’s mother, Amy, said he excelled at tennis and instantly excelled at pickleball as well.
Amy joked that Johnson, being involved with so many different sports through Special Olympics Florida, had a full schedule. But once pickleball was added, her son just had to sign up.
“It wound up being really good for him,” she said. “He has many friends he made in other spots, and a lot of them also play pickleball.”
The first year playing pickleball, Johnson was teamed up with friend Billy Hawkins and placed at level three — which is a high ranking for a newcomer to the sport.
In his second year, Johnson reached level four ranking with partner and best friend Edmond Debs III.
When he heads to Minnesota, Johnson will play doubles with partner Whitney Spielman.
Johnson said he’s made lots of friends through Special Olympics Florida, and that it’s fun to meet new people and compete alongside those he builds relationships with. Amy said he and best friend Debs III hang out outside of the competition setting.
Speaking of a competition setting, Amy said her son is very competitive, especially with his four siblings, all of whom compete across Special Olympics Florida sports.
When asked what he loves most about playing various sports, Johnson said, “Winning.”
Amy said, “He’s very competitive with his siblings and the other athletes. He loves Ed, but he’s not going to let Ed beat him.”
Johnson said he enjoys hitting the ball back and forth across the net, and putting together rallies with his opponent. He said he enjoys playing with a partner more than playing on his own.
He said it’s “very fun” to be able to build a connection with his partner to find success on the court.
While the game is fun, it’s also one at which he excels.
Johnson has won state-wide competitions in the sport at the Special Olympics Florida State Games. In 2023, he won a silver medal, and in 2025, he won gold. He’s always won regional competitions in pickleball.
“Adam is a fine young man and a super athlete,” said head coach of Team Florida Special Olympics for pickleball, Theresa “Tree” Capozzoli. “His laugh and smile light up every room, and we’re proud to have him representing Team Florida at the Special Olympics USA Games.”
Team Florida will include nearly 170 athletes and Unified partners from communities across Florida, with a total delegation of approximately 230 athletes, coaches, and support staff. Athletes from Miami to Pensacola, Jacksonville to Naples will come together to compete on one national stage, showcasing their determination and talent in 16 different Olympics-style sports.
Here in Southwest Florida, Johnson usually takes to Three Oaks Park and Brooks Community Park in Fort Myers, and is a mainstay at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center every Monday and every other Wednesday. He’s also played both tennis and pickleball at The Courts, Cape Coral.
Of seeing her son shine in various athletic realms, and get invited to take part in a national competition, Amy said, “It just makes be really, really happy. So happy I tear up, you know, to be able to see him excel to highly. Academics are a little bit hard for him, other things can be hard, but sports? Nope. He just picks them up. I’m happy that he can find his niche.”
She also shared her thanks to Special Olympics Florida.
“We started years ago, and they just love on everybody and they teach everyone to the best of their ability,” Amy said. “No matter what sport it is your division is based on your age and your ability so that the athletes don’t get frustrated. It’s just heartwarming.
“Special Olympics has twice now in the last six months sent him to USA training camp, so he’s gone to camp specifically to work on skills to make sure he’s playing the best for USA games. It’s also an opportunity for him to travel independently. USA games is an opportunity to see him make friends from outside of Lee County, which is also great.”
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring together more than 3,000 athletes from all 50 states during a week-long celebration of inclusion and excellence.
“Team Florida participants represent the heart of our mission,” said Meghan McLean, chief operating officer of Special Olympics Florida, in a release. “These athletes are training with incredible dedication, and they carry with them the support of their families, coaches, and communities. Competing at the USA Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we are committed to ensuring every member of Team Florida has the resources they need to succeed.”
Special Olympics Florida serves more than 85,000 athletes and is the largest Special Olympics state program in the country. It provides year-round sports, crucial health screenings – about 10,000 each year – and life-changing leadership opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities, all at no cost to athletes or their families. To learn more about Team Florida’s journey to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and to make a donation, view Special Olympics Florida’s 2026 USA Games website by visiting specialolympicsflorida.org.
Outside of being an avid athlete, Johnson was a successful 4-H Council member where he was champion of the Southwest Florida Agriculture Exposition with his Bantam Rhode Island Red Hen.