Local Athletes Compete In Maryland Special Olympics Summer Games

A Pasadena resident, 29-year-old Megan Diaz has competed in Special Olympics since she was 13. Her favorite aspects of Special Olympics are the competition with peers, making friends and seeing her coaches.

“Megan has made lifetime friends, and we have made lifetime friends,” said Fran Diaz, Megan’s mother. “The athletes learn teamwork, how to work well and get along with others, and sportsmanship. Everyone wins as long as they try and compete.”

Megan was one of the nearly 1,500 Maryland athletes who besieged Towson University on June 8 through 10 to compete in the 48th annual Summers Games hosted by Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD).

Athletes competed in five Olympic-style events, including athletics (traditional and unified track, mini-jav, high jump, long jump, pentathlon, softball throw, shot put, standing long jump, tennis ball throw); bocce (singles, doubles, unified doubles); cheerleading (traditional and unified team competition); softball (traditional team competition, unified team competition, individual skills competition); and swimming (traditional individual events and team relays, unified team relays).

“The Special Olympics Maryland Summer Games is our largest competition of the year, and the positive energy at Towson University is contagious,” said Kira Northrop, director of communications for SOMD. “Starting with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, where officials run the torch across the state, to the opening ceremonies on Friday when all of the athletes are introduced and celebrate being at this event, until the conclusion of the games, the energy is contagious.”

The competitions provide a venue where athletes of all abilities can join in friendship and fun. Special Olympics also provides a warm and receptive community for the parents of the athletes.

“Some athletes wait a whole year to show off their skills on this huge stage,” Northrop said. “There is ecstatic cheering for every athlete competing. Whether they win or lose, they feel the support from their teammates, families, and even athletes from other counties.”

Megan swims in four events, including the 100-meter freestyle, 50-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke, and the relay.

“I am just so glad that Special Olympics exists for these kids,” Fran said. “The camaraderie from being on team and being around all of the athletes is very special.”

Two first-time Special Olympians came from Anna Marie Pringle’s Pasadena home. Pringle has guardianship of her sister, Penny, 57, and her daughter, Breanna, 12. The aunt-and-niece duo participated in bocce and bowling.

“I was looking for something to keep my daughter and my sister busy,” said Pringle, who was referred to Special Olympics by a friend. “Penny and Breanna had a wonderful time competing with their peers and are already looking forward to the next event.”

Pringle said that while her sister and her daughter had terrific experiences at Special Olympics, she too had great joy in watching her family compete.

“My sister, daughter, and all Special Olympians are just a complete joy to be around. They are always happy. Always cheerful. And there is never a dull moment,” added Pringle. “It’s impossible to be in a bad mood around these amazing people.”

Another example of that spirit is Peter Brittingham’s 32-year-old son, Peter, whose nickname is Petey.

“I don’t know where he gets it from, but Petey can celebrate!” Brittingham said of his son, who has been competing in Special Olympics since he was in elementary school. “Win or lose, I get such joy from being around my son and the other athletes. He dances. He poses. It’s pure joy.”

Petey is a Pasadena resident who participates in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 4x100 relay, and shot put. He was the three-time defending champion in shot put coming into this summer’s Olympics.

“It is such a pleasure to work with Special Olympics and the athletes,” Brittingham added. “When I look at my son and the other athletes, I see angels with one-way tickets to the great one upstairs.”

The family atmosphere cultivated by SOMD made the Summer Games a success for all, Northrop said.

“SOMD is just like a family, everyone is there to support each other and support the inclusion revolution. That is what makes it such a special atmosphere,” Northrop said. “No matter who you are, you are welcome with open arms into a judgment-free space.”