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September 2014
Greetings Supporter, Welcome to our first e-version of IMPACT. I hope that this monthly e-newsletter will serve you well in providing current, meaningful information. While attending a recent dinner gathering I met a gentleman who, upon learning that I worked for Special Olympics Maryland proudly shared, "Years ago I used to volunteer for Special Olympics, is it still at Towson?" And so “IT” goes, Special Olympics remains an enigma for many who think of us as a nice to do one-time-a-year event. I replied as thoughtfully and respectfully as possible, “We do hold our Summer Games at Towson every June as part of our year-round program that provides our 6973 athletes with opportunities to train and compete in 24 sports.” With 24 sports we are far more than IT. There really is no off-season. After those Summer Games at Towson and the USA Games in New Jersey in June, we continued our year-round program in July with a sailing regatta at St. Mary’s College. In August, athletes started training for cycling, flag football, golf, kayaking, long distance running, power lifting, soccer and tennis. Our golfers also had three tournaments scheduled in August. From now through the end of September athletes will have 33 competition dates in all those sports. So whether you’re an athlete, family member, volunteer, donor, corporate partner, plunger or friend of SOMD, thank you for supporting the movement and the mission that is more than “IT.” Together we are building inclusive communities of dignity and respect. Let me know what you think and share your feedback with me directly at jschmutz@somd.org.
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Meet Kegan Zimmerman
Chair, Special Olympics Maryland Athlete Congress
"This month I would like to share with you that you shouldn't be a quitter. Choose to be a winner." read more →
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2014 Kayak Championships
The summer has been a real treat for outdoor sports and recreation lovers. Including the athletes of Special Olympics Maryland. Kayak athletes, Unified partners and coaches have already taken to the water, fresh or salt, to train for the upcoming 2014 Kayak Championships on September 27th.
read more →
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New Branding for Plunge 2015
The Maryland State Police and the entire Polar Bear Plunge Committee are excited about the impact potential of the new outreach campaign created by the team at Merrick Towle.
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Team MD shines brighter than the medals at the 2014 USA Games
Special Olympics Founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, introduced the Special Olympics oath – Let me win, but if I cannot win, Let me brave in the attempt – at the first ever World Games and to this day it is recited prior to every major Special Olympics competition. Special Olympics Maryland athletes Brian Shahan (golfing, above)and Josh Smith (playing soccer, above) were members of Team Maryland and competed at the 2014 USA Games in Princeton, NJ in June.
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We need your supportYour Gift Can Help Us Reach One More Athlete
There are 6,973 who currently participate in Special Olympics. There are 90,000 individuals in Maryland with intellectual disabilities who are standing on the sidelines. Help us double our outreach by 2018, and make a bystander a winner. 
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Volunteer OpportunitiesIf you’re inspired by the lives being transformed through Special Olympics Maryland, there are dozens of ways you can get involved. Visit us online at somd.org/volunteer to learn how you can volunteer. |
Share Your Favorite Special Olympics MomentWe want to hear from you! Please tell us about your favorite experience and why you support Special Olympics. Share your story. |
Spending Wisely in Maryland
86% of every dollar raised is spent on sports training and competition, and athlete retention and recruitment. |
By the Numbers |
