Welcome from the President and CEO

Dear athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and guests:

As we enter the 21st Century, I can't help but reflect on how much Special Olympics Maryland has grown. Thanks to Eunice Kennedy Shriver's incredible vision, it is clear individuals with intellectual disabilities benefit from participation in sports. Sports training and competition have instilled athletes with self-confidence and pride and empowered them to become accepted and contributing members of the communities in which they live and work.

Of course, Special Olympics hasn't worked alone. What you experience at any state or local competition would not be possible without the tireless devotion of many groups. Generous contributions from sponsors, like Harley-Davidson of Maryland, have enabled SOMD to provide sports training and competition at no cost to its athletes. Coaches and volunteers dedicate countless hours of their time to ensure the athletes gain the most from their Special Olympics experience. Families provide an additional support system and share in the wonderful accomplishments of every athlete. But perhaps the most important group in the Special Olympics movement is the athletes themselves. The athletes have inspired us all to do our best; for it is the journey of competition, and not the result, that defines one's character.

We are proud to share in the accomplishments of everyone associated with SOMD. We strive to expand our services and recruit more athletes to make our program one of the finest in the world. Although we have come a long way, I acknowledge that we have many mountains still to climb. I assure you the best is yet to come and with the athletes leading the way, SOMD's future has never looked brighter.

Sincerely,

Patricia Fegan, Ph.D.
President and CEO