Marian Center Coach Honored with Miami-Dade Community Impact Award

Gloria Oyarzun recognized for empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:53am

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Gloria Oyarzun, physical education coach at the Marian Center School & Services, has been awarded the 2026 Miami-Dade Community Impact Award for her transformative work empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities. Oyarzun's leadership has created inclusive spaces where athletes not only compete but thrive, families feel connected, and communities come together through the power of sport.

Why it matters

The Community Impact Award celebrates individuals who make Miami-Dade more inclusive, connected, and supportive. Oyarzun's work contributes to a statewide movement in Florida that is transforming lives through the power of sports and community integration for people with intellectual disabilities.

The details

Oyarzun has been recognized for her dedication, passion, and leadership in empowering athletes at the Marian Center School & Services to reach their fullest potential. She has fostered a sense of belonging for families and helped build a culture of inclusion that inspires the wider community.

  • The award will be presented during Special Olympics Florida – Miami-Dade County's Opening Ceremony Night (Cinema Night) in Doral on March 20, 2026.

The players

Gloria Oyarzun

A physical education coach at the Marian Center School & Services who has been honored with the 2026 Miami-Dade Community Impact Award for her transformative work empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Sr. Lidia Valli

The executive director of the Marian Center School & Services, who expressed pride in Oyarzun's profound impact on students and the community.

Special Olympics Florida – Miami-Dade County

The organization that will present the Community Impact Award to Oyarzun during their Opening Ceremony Night event.

Marian Center School & Services

The school where Oyarzun works as a physical education coach, empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities.

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What they’re saying

“We are proud of Gloria Oyarzun and the profound impact she has on our students and the wider community. Through her dedication, passion, and leadership, she empowers our athletes to reach their fullest potential, fosters a sense of belonging for families, and helps build a culture of inclusion that inspires us all.”

— Sr. Lidia Valli, Executive Director, Marian Center School & Services (communitynewspapers.com)

What’s next

The Community Impact Award will be presented to Gloria Oyarzun during the Special Olympics Florida – Miami-Dade County's Opening Ceremony Night (Cinema Night) in Doral on March 20, 2026.

The takeaway

Oyarzun's work demonstrates how inclusion and community integration can have a transformative impact on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Her dedication to empowering athletes, fostering belonging, and building a culture of inclusion serves as an inspiring example for communities across Florida.