Through Special Olympics more than a million athletes and their families are discovering that a bright future lies ahead. Through Special Olympics year-round sports training and competition builds self-esteem, fosters courage, and teaches valuable lessons about striving, winning, losing, and trying again. Through Special Olympics seminars, newsletters, and other resources, not to mention training programs and competition, Special Olympics families get:

• A network of people with similar concerns, questions, and life experiences. • Help finding medical expertise and community resources • A place of acceptance, respect, and belonging.

Ways to Be Involved
Families are very important to the Special Olympics Charles County movement, and we offer many ways for you to get involved. Your involvement can be tailored to your time and needs. Some examples of how families can get involved include:

• Become a coach Volunteering at Events • Training athletes at home-between practices • Participate in Unified Sports® • Become involved in your local Family Program • Provide transportation for athletes to practices and competitions • Become a chaperone at local and state competitions • Help to raise funds to support your Special Olympics area program • Serve on the Area Committee, and developing your area program by recruiting athletes and volunteers • Organize social gatherings for all athletes on your child's team • Give Special Olympics Charles County athletes your support to achieve their goals • Attend competitions as a spectator • Teach your child sportsmanship and that coming in first does not always make you the winner. • Organize a phone tree for your child's team.