For more than two decades, Landon has partnered with Special Olympics Maryland Montgomery County (SOMO) to foster a community of service, joy, and inclusivity.
The longstanding collaboration has not only provided invaluable experiences for Special Olympics athletes but has also enriched the lives of Landon students.
“My time with Special Olympics has been so valuable because of the relationships I've been able to develop with athletes and families alike,” said Community Service Club Co-President Noah Forrest ’25. “There's nothing more exciting than watching a player you've known for three years score a bucket.”
SOMO provides a year-round training and competitive sports program for Montgomery County children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or closely related developmental disabilities.
Landon hosts Special Olympics soccer events in the fall, basketball events in the winter, and track & field events in the spring. For the latest event, which featured a 3 x 3 basketball tournament and basketball clinics for young athletes, 40 students volunteered their time.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunities that Landon has provided for making a difference within our community,” Forrest said. “I plan on continuing to volunteer with Special Olympics in college, and I feel confident in the future of service at Landon, seeing all the younger Bears getting involved in so many ways.”
“It is a transformative experience for them, and it makes me proud to be part of the Landon community,” John Bellaschi, Director of Ethics, Service, & Leadership said. “When a Landon student volunteer shares his time with a Special Olympics athlete, Landon’s Core Values shine: Service, Courage, Inclusivity, Respect, Teamwork, Gratitude, Humility, Kindness, and Perseverance.”
Shelly Bogasky, SOMO Area Director, highlights the mutual benefits of the collaboration.
“It’s really fun to watch the Landon students interact with the athletes, especially the younger ones,” she said. “The programs provide athletes with opportunities to learn new skills and interact with peers outside their usual environments. It expands their horizons and gets them out into the world in a different place.”
Judy Waldman, whose daughter Carrie has been involved with Special Olympics for more than 20 years, said the sense of normalcy and community provided by these activities is crucial for families like hers, offering a space where athletes can thrive and feel included.
“The spirit of cooperation and enthusiasm mean so much to the athletes. They make friends, get good exercise, and it teaches students humanity. It’s always good to volunteer and see that the athletes are real people, too,” Waldman said.
