Zack Butler Sports Ability Games
On Monday, April 24, 2023, the Santa Rosa Education Foundation, in collaboration with The Special Olympics, proudly organized the inaugural Zack Butler Sports Ability Games. This program, dedicated to Coach Butler’s legacy, created a day of inclusive activities where students, with the support of the community, had the chance to foster physical fitness, showcase courage, and engage in enjoyable experiences tailored to promote inclusivity.
Since the inaugural Zack Butler Sports Ability Games in 2023, the Santa Rosa Education Foundation has proudly expanded this special event to serve students on both ends of Santa Rosa County. In 2025, we brought the Games to the north end of our district, with Pace High School serving as our host.
The inaugural North End Zack Butler Sports Ability Games welcomed more than 300 students and 200 community volunteers, along with teachers, school staff, and community partners, for a day filled with excitement, encouragement, and celebration.
The Games provide students with disabilities the opportunity to participate in a variety of adaptive sports and recreational activities in a supportive, inclusive environment. More than just a day of friendly competition, the event celebrates each student’s abilities, builds confidence, encourages teamwork, and creates meaningful connections among students, educators, and community members.
Through the continued growth of the Zack Butler Sports Ability Games, the Santa Rosa Education Foundation is proud to help ensure that more students across our district have the opportunity to experience the joy of participation, the encouragement of their community, and the celebration of their individual achievements.
Zack Pack Supply Program
Teaming up with Florida Power and Light, the Santa Rosa Education Foundation proudly introduced the Zack Pack initiative. This program dedicated to Coach Butler involved providing every Adaptive Physical Education teacher in the district with a specialized Zack Pack wagon and a $500 Teacher Grant specifically for Adaptive Physical Education supplies.
Zack Butler Award
The Zack Butler Award is a special recognition presented annually during the Santa Rosa Education Foundation’s Golden Apple Awards celebration. Named in honor of Zack Butler, the award recognizes an exceptional educator who demonstrates a commitment to supporting students with disabilities and creating opportunities for every student to learn, grow, and succeed.
The award celebrates educators who go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with exceptional needs. Recipients exemplify compassion, dedication, and a belief in the abilities of every student, helping create inclusive learning environments where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
The Zack Butler Award serves as a lasting tribute to Zack’s legacy and a reminder of the profound impact one educator can have on the lives of students and their families.