Special Olympics Maryland Inc

Special olympics maryland is proud to have a core group of dedicated community-based, leadership volunteers who organize and manage 19 "local area" (county/city) programs across the state. These volunteer management teams recruit athletes; secure facilities, uniforms and equipment; schedule practices and competitions. They recruit and train volunteers and raise funds and awareness all directed at delivering the mission to our athletes in the communities where they live. Somd staff also hold training workshops and provide resources for coach certification for our sports programs. Families also play a critical role in supporting their athletes. In addition to getting athletes registered and transported to and from practice and competition, family members volunteer, raise money and advocate for their athletes.finally, over 6,300 volunteers play vital roles as coaches, officials, event organizers and day-of-event facilitators. Included in this pool of volunteers are clinicians from around the state of maryland who participate in medfests single day health and wellness screenings held throughout the year - to promote healthy athletes. These dedicated professionals perform eye exams, hearing tests, podiatry evaluations, dental evaluations, mental health evaluations, and education on nutrition & fitness, including providing referrals for follow up care as needed.

Special olympics maryland has a goal to engage as many active athletes as possible throughout the state of maryland. Athletes are playing a critical leadership role to achieving that goal. Somd has developed a comprehensive athlete leadership and outreach program which develops competencies that enable our athletes to develop leadership skills that will help shape the future of special olympics and more generally the opportunity to advocate for themselves. We provide an environment that focuses on and highlights individual abilities. The athlete leadership curriculum helps identify the strengths of each individual and develop leadership skills. Special olympics maryland works with staff, board members, volunteer leaders, coaches, event management teams, corporate partners and other supporters in an effort to find opportunities that allow our athletes to tell their story. Using social media and in person presentations, athletes engage with a wide range of stakeholders and community members all focused on building interactive communities of dignity and respect.