Greetings Supporter,

As the Special Olympics Maryland fall sports season comes to a close, this issue of IMPACT highlights a range of activity that reinforces how we are transforming lives through sport on and off the field of play.

As we engage in so many events on and off the field of play, I want to recognize our athletes, families, coaches, volunteers and the SOMD staff for their tireless efforts in delivering on the promise of the mission. 

While there is simply too much activity to list every single event here, I will offer you a sampling of the schedule of events this month...

Creating a world where opportunity is not limited by disability,                       James C. Schmutz President and CEO

I'm pictured above at Opening Ceremonies for this year's Fall Sports Festival with athlete Emcees Alex Barnes, Josh Smith, and Ellen Scheel, and Mount St. Mary's University Vice President for Enrollment Management Michael A. Post.

 2016 Fall Sports Festival

400 SOMD athletes competed in cycling, flag football, long distance running, powerlifting, and tennis at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD.

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Breakfast with Champions: 11/29

Get your Giving Tuesday off to an inspiring start at this unique event supporting Special Olympics Maryland. Breakfast with Champions will feature Super Bowl Champions Joe Flacco and Dennis Pita from the Baltimore Ravens along with Baltimore Colts Super Bowl Champion Tom Matte, along with Special Olympics Maryland Champions Stacey Hull and Julian English.

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Lead the Way

Special Olympics Maryland provides athletes with opportunities to share their stories in Annapolis and on Capitol Hill. Now that’s leadership we can all get behind! Click below to support SOMD's Athlete Leadership Program

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Kick Off Plunge Season Right!

Gear up for the 2017 Polar Bear Plunge with two upcoming events! Be part of the new Thrills and Chills Polar Plunge presented by Frederick Police on November 5th, and join the St. Mary's Sherrif's Office for the St. Mary's Splash on December 10th! Click below for more information.

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MYTH:  Special Olympics Maryland only provides sports training and competition.

FACT:  SOMD provides so much more than sports! One example is the Athlete Leadership Program, which gives individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to stand up and let their voices be heard. It teaches them leadership skills that can help shape the direction and movement of Special Olympics.

Learn more or support the Athlete Leadership Program 

2016 POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

Register today for the 2016 MSP Polar Bear Plunge! It will be held on January 26 - 28, 2017. Register today!

Sponsor Highlight: Talen Energy

SOMD is proud to partner again with Talen Energy for our Giving Tuesday event, Breakfast with Champions! To learn more about their partnership history and the Giving Tuesday event, click here to read more!

Did you know that the IRS mandates individuals age    70 ½ and older take Required Minimum Distributions (RMD’s) from their IRA each year, regardless of whether the income is needed? Generally this is treated as taxable income. But if you make a charitable contribution from your IRA, you can satisfy your RMD amount without reporting any additional income.

For more information and a sample letter you can send to your financial advisor, please click here.

With your support, athletes can focus on training and competing - and not on the cost to participate.

Did you know that an athlete does not pay to participate in Special Olympics? Help transform the life of a Special Olympics athlete through the power of sports... it's only a click away!

7,311

4,943 TRAINING & COMPETITION

2,368 TRAINING

2014-2015 CHANGE

(+ 2.8%)

(+ 196 athletes)

Spending Wisely in Maryland

87% of every dollar raised is spent on sports training and competition, and athlete retention and recruitment.

Click here to see a copy of our current financials.