From Congress Heights, to Capitol Hill, to Chevy Chase, INCLUSION happened this year in our city. As we wrap up an amazing year, we feel so much gratitude for our resilient and fun community, and excitement for more athletes, partners, medals, and memories to come!

January 2023

Speed Skaters returned to the ice! Our Youth Speed Skating program returned to Fort Dupont Ice Arena, with 5 elementary schools participating in the winter season. It was a joy to witness athletes of all abilities learn to skate and grow in confidence on the ice.

February 2023

Another successful plunge in the books! Over 400 plungers between our community plunge and Catholic University Plunge raised over $220,000 for Special Olympics DC. Register for the 2024 Plunge on February 24th here.

April 2023

The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences Special Olympics Club competed in the NIRSA Unified National Basketball Tournament at UMD on a team combined with Special Olympics DC athletes. The club, new this year, also promotes medical education about disability for fellow students, and screens athletes during MedFest.

 June 2023

JoJo Won Gold! Joseph "JoJo" Woodland took home a World Games Gold Medal — that is, the best in the world! — for his 1:10.40 400m final race. JoJo said, "I had to shed some tears of joy at the final line. It was so emotional for me."

 Youth Leaders Carlos and Kat and their teacher Ms. Sewell, from Coolidge High School, were among only 100 youth from around the world selected to participate in the Youth Leadership Summit in conjunction with the World Games in Berlin. 

July 2023

Edgar and Teon, students at Coolidge High School, competed in the Major League Soccer Youth Unified All-Star Game right here in DC, representing DC United! The boys made friends with youth from MLS cities all around the country. Read more about the initiative here.

September 2023

The Unified Bocce and Unified Tennis Adult Night Leagues were electric all-season long, and the photo albums prove it. Check out the joyous photos here, and consider joining us for an upcoming Unified league!

December 2023

The 39th Annual Night of Trees Gala is once again a hit! Co-Hosts SODC athlete St. Anthony Taylor and ESPN's Victoria Arlen had the crowd laughing and ready to give — the Gala raised over $180,000. Tennis Coach Enoch Thompson was inducted into our Hall of Fame.

The Georgetown Unified Flag Football Club Team returned from the NIRSA National Championship in Oklahoma as NATIONAL. CHAMPIONS. The team defeated Nebraska-Lincoln Unified 44-39, while also going undefeated all tournament and having unmatched team chemistry. Read the full story here.

Starting right now, all gifts made to Special Olympics DC before 11:59 pm on December 31 will be TRIPLED, dollar-for-dollar, to help us spread 3X the joy in 2024! Need we say more?

Here’s why this TRIPLE match is such a big deal: Millions of people with intellectual disabilities around the world still experience stigma and isolation. They’re forced to sit on the sidelines and watch their peers play. That’s not right.

Special Olympics DC has worked to make the city a more inclusive place in which everyone can experience the joy of sports and teamwork. In that time, our programs have reached thousands of athletes in the district — but we still have a lot of work to do. We’ll need your help to do it.

Make a generous, tax-deductible contribution before 11:59 p.m. on December 31 and it’ll provide 3X the equipment, 3X the health screenings, 3X the support, and 3X the JOY for people with intellectual disabilities in our Nation's Capitol City.

What do you say, will you help us spread 3X the joy in 2024 and beyond?

We can't thank you enough for all the support this year — from keeping up with our athletes and teams, to financial contributions, to volunteering and sharing your experiences with friends and family, to inviting new athletes to join our programs. Our collective effort adds up to making a positive change in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, and making our DMV community stronger. We are excited for many more memories in 2024.

All my best,

Nicole Preston, President & CEO, Special Olympics DC

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