Honoring the Legacy of Tom Carski

On March 27^th we learned that Tom Carski, one of the three founders of Special Olympics Maryland, passed away following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Since arriving at Special Olympics Maryland in 2013, I’ve come to deeply admire the legacy he leaves behind. Tom was a very humble man, who didn’t talk a lot about the role he played in bringing Special Olympics to Maryland. His vision, passion, and dedication to inclusion laid the foundation for everything we do today.

Back in 1970, Tom joined forces with Ed Mitchell and John Rigley, as the leadership team that launched what would become Special Olympics Maryland. As his obituary referenced “One of Tom’s proudest accomplishments was co-founding Special Olympics Maryland in 1970. He led the organization in its early days and remained actively involved for nearly 20 years.”

We had the good fortune of capturing Tom’s reflections on his role in starting Special Olympics on two separate occasions. We celebrated our 50th Anniversary during the pandemic so we hosted a Zoom call where Tom and John joined me, athlete Sam Livingston, and Sam’s parents, Janet, and Richard Livingston, for a meaningful conversation about the origins of our movement here in Maryland. Tom shared a heartfelt story about Adonis Brown, a Special Olympics Maryland athlete, who competed in track and field at the 1972 “Special Olympics International Games” where he won a gold medal in the 400m. Tom recounted how he would frequently encounter Adonis at an office building in Baltimore where operated the elevator. Adonis always thanked Tom for giving him the opportunity to grow through sport. Tom reinforced how this illustrated the transformative impact of Special Olympics on the lives of our athletes. Tom knew that without Special Olympics Adonis would not have had that jog. That conversation provided me with insight into the history of our organization while reinforcing Tom’s heartfelt passion.

• You can view that conversation here:  Final. Founders 50^th Anniversary Q&A Conversation – Special Olympics Maryland Athlete Sam Livingston joined me with his parents Janet and Richard a conversation with Tom Carski and John Rigley two of the three Founders. This is a 28-minute video, two key highlights – “Impact on Maryland” – 17:33, “Experiencing Inclusion, Unified Generation” – 20:15, “The Next 50 Years” – 24:22.

Along with Ed, and John, Tom’s legacy is the cornerstone of who we are. He believed in the potential of every person with intellectual disabilities and took action to create opportunities where there were none. His efforts gave rise to generations of athletes who have found joy, confidence, and community through Special Olympics. We were fortunate to capture insights from all three Founders to provide context for the presentation of our first ever “Founders Champion Award” presented in 2023. During that conversation Tom reflected on how he reached out to the greater Baltimore community for support in planning the first ever Summer Games in 1970. One story that stood out was when Tom connected with Baltimore Colts players, Art Donovan, Gino Marchetti, and Allen Amici. Tom approached Art about providing lunch for the athletes and volunteers. Art immediately told Tom he would organize a meeting with Gino and Allen to discuss the needs. When Tom showed, Art had two cases of Schlitz waiting for the meeting during which Gino declared, “Sure I will provide the 2,000 burgers and buns, and will throw in the condiments too.” That is what Tom did, he engaged the community for our athletes.

• You can view that conversation here:  Final. 2023 Gala Founders Champion Award Video includes reflections from Ed Mitchell, Tom Carski and John Rigley, the three Founders of Special Olympics Maryland. If you want to get to the Founders and reflections from Tom Carski, fast forward the video to 4:38.) 

As I reflect on Tom’s passing, I felt it was only fitting to use this month’s President’s Corner to remember, reflect, and honor the man who started it all. Tom, thank you for your vision. Thank you for believing in the power of inclusion. Your legacy lives on in every athlete who steps onto the playing field, in every coach who volunteers their time, and in every supporter who joins our mission. As you were fond of saying, “Success builds on success.”

We will continue to build on the foundation of success that you established along with Ed and John back in 1970. We will carry your torch forward with pride and gratitude.

Jim Schmutz

President & CEO
Special Olympics Maryland