Family & Friends
Special Olympics District of Columbia provides numerous opportunities for families and friends to become involved with the program. At the conclusion of each sports season, championship events are held to showcase the skills of each athlete. We strongly encourage families to attend the Fall Sports Classic, Winter Sports Classic, and Summer Games to watch and support their Special Olympics athlete.
During the Summer Games, SODC hosts the Athlete and Family Barbeque prior to Opening Ceremonies at Catholic University. This event is sponsored by the Masonic Eastern Star Home Charities, Inc., which generously funds the entire barbeque. All families and extended family members and friends are invited to join their Special Olympics athletes to recognize and celebrate their achievements.
In addition to championship events, family members and friends can participate with Special Olympics athletes by playing together on a Unified Sports® team. Unified Sports® teams are composed of a proportionate number of individuals with and without intellectual disabilities who train and compete together. Currently, Special Olympics D.C. offers the following Unified Sports®:
- Unified Basketball
- Unified Bocce
- Unified Bowling
- Unified Soccer
- Unified Volleyball
Family members also volunteer at various SODC events and functions, helping to strengthen the organization.
When families get involved and demonstrate their support, their Special Olympics athletes truly develop a positive self-image which helps them reach their full potential.