Search
Subnavigation
Featured Partners
Follow Us
Links
- Home
- About
About
Special Olympics Maryland Baltimore County (SOBA) is a nonprofit organization* dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. In existence since the late 70’s, Special Olympics Maryland Baltimore County offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in 16 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. (*Special Olympics is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). EIN: 23-7089144)
Special Olympics Maryland Baltimore County currently serves more than 400 persons with intellectual disabilities. As more sports are offered the number of athletes participating in Special Olympics will increase. Providing a place for continued growth for all Baltimore County residents, with an intellectual disabilities, is they key. Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. They grow mentally, socially and spiritually and, through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents but “their voices” as well.
Intellectual disability knows no boundaries. It cuts across the lines of racial, ethnic, educational, social, and economical backgrounds. It can occur in any family. One out of 10 American families is directly affected by intellectual disability. There are an estimated 7.5 million people with intellectual disabilities in the United States. This is approximately 2.5 to 3 percent of the U.S. population.
Let me win; but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. – Special Olympics Oath
MISSION
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic
competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for citizens with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
OUR VISION
The vision of Special Olympics Maryland is to help bring Special Olympics athletes into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens.
OUR VALUES
The following six values guide all decisions and actions taken by Directory, volunteers, and athletes.
Community – We attempt to connect our athletes with their local COMMUNITY as much as possible We use community facilities; we generate local publicity, and we portray the athletes and their families as local heroes Connections and bridges are formed.
Friendships – We encourage FRIENDSHIPS among athletes and families throughout Special Olympics. We also encourage friendships with athletes without disabilities through their commonality of sport. The goal is friendships for life.
Integrity – Athletes develop INTEGRITY by doing the right thing.
Opportunity – All Special Olympics athletes are given the OPPORTUNITY to excel.
Quality – Opportunity occurs through QUALITY sports training and Olympic-type competition.
Sportsmanship – We follow the rules of the game by demonstrating good SPORTSMANSHIP and fairness for all.