Special Olympics Maryland provides year-round sports training and competition for more than 24,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, reaching all 24 Maryland jurisdictions. The organization also runs Unified Schools programs, health screenings, and athlete leadership development. Below: what the programs actually involve, plus the main ways to give money or time.
The core offering is athletic: training and competitions that run through the whole year rather than a single annual event, across every county in the state plus Baltimore City. Sport is the entry point, and the organization builds on it with programs that reach beyond the field.
Unified Schools brings students with and without intellectual disabilities onto the same teams, which changes school culture in a way one-off awareness events don't. Health screening initiatives cover eyes, ears, and dental care for athletes who often face gaps in routine healthcare. Leadership development trains athletes to speak, lead, and represent the movement themselves.
Direct gifts go through somd.org/donate and support training, competitions, and the health and school programs. Corporate sponsorships are available for businesses that want a larger, ongoing role.
The Polar Bear Plunge is the signature fundraiser: participants collect pledges and take a winter dip. Signing up (or sponsoring a plunger) raises money and is considerably more memorable than a receipt. Registration runs through the official site.
Coaching does not require prior experience with athletes with intellectual disabilities; training is provided. Event volunteers handle everything from check-in to awards at competitions around the state, and hosting a community event is another way to contribute locally.
Because programs run year-round in every jurisdiction, there is usually a role reasonably close to home. Start at somd.org to see current volunteer needs.
Confirm the organization in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search, review its Charity Navigator listing, and keep your receipt. Gifts of $250 or more need a written acknowledgment for tax purposes.
Sources: Special Olympics Maryland official site (somd.org); our Maryland charity guide research. Retrieved July 2026. We are not affiliated with Special Olympics Maryland and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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