President’s Corner: July

The generous support ensures that our athletes have the necessary uniforms, equipment, facilities, transportation, and trained coaches all of which are essential to participate and excel. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our friends at Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company for hosting the event and for their continuous support of our athletes. In addition to Lone Oak Farm, we would like to thank our other event sponsors which included, Casey Construction, JB Kline Landscaping, Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department, Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maryland, Montgomery County Sheriffs Department, Rock Creek Tree, Turf, and Landscaping, Topgolf Germantown, University of Maryland Athletics, Wild Tribe Co., WISP Resort.

The day was highlighted by the presence of wide range of Special Olympics Maryland athletes. Matt Digilio and Abby Knight teamed up to DJ the event, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Nick Corrales Jennings delivered an inspiring message to the crowd before handing over the mic to David Godoy, who served as MC and played “We Are the Champions” on his saxophone. Andy Eisenhauer was instrumental in picking the winning numbered Pint Size Polar Bears from his kayak in the Lone Oak Pond. And a large group of Special Olympics Montgomery County Athletes joined David in the countdown to release the bears into the pond, making it a memorable moment of unity and excitement.

We were fortunate to have had Councilmember Will Jawando and Council President Andrew Friedson join us for the day. They each shared positive messages in recognizing the value of our athletes and their ability to leverage the Pint Size Plunge to bring the community together.

I also want to extend a special thanks to Shelly Bogasky, our Special Olympics Montgomery County Area Director, and her husband John, who serves as the treasurer. Both volunteer countless hours to deliver the sport programs to our athletes in Montgomery County. Special Olympics Maryland would not exist without the tireless efforts of thousands of dedicated volunteers like Shelly and John.

The Pint Size Plunge serves as an exceptional example of how together we are building interactive, inclusive communities of dignity and respect. In addition to the nine sports in which our athletes will compete this fall, high school students will be competing in our Interscholastic Unified Sports Tennis program, while athletes will also be active in other non-competitive sports programs like Young Athletes and the Motor Activities Training Program. We will continue to advance our Healthy Athletes Program. Finally, Athletes in our Athlete Leadership Program will  engage in important advocacy work in the community, serve as MCs at event ceremonies and participate in continuing education all focused on empowering them to achieve their personal best.

Thanks to everyone who made the 2024 Pint Size Polar Bear Plunge an unforgettable event. Your continued commitment to our athletes is truly inspiring. Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, as through sport, for we create a world where opportunity is not limited by disability.

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