Thank You, Plungers!

Dear Plunger,

It’s that time of the year again that I wanted to say thank you for all the support you have given 4,340 of my fellow Special Olympics Maryland athletes as we lead the way into a more inclusive future for those with and without intellectual disabilities. My name is Adam Hays and I have been competing as a Special Olympics Maryland athlete for 26 years. When I first joined Special Olympics, I did not know much about the organization, just that I wanted to play soccer. Little did I know, now here I am competing in 6 sports sharing my voice so that others can know that as a person with intellectual disabilities, my voice matters too.

Our organization is more than just a one day sport, we offer 27 sports all year round. My favorite sports are Cycling and Soccer. In Cycling, you can see me ride an average 1,500 miles a year. I love riding because I get the chance to explore, while getting my exercise. Also, I am the Chairperson of the Athlete Leadership Council. A group of athletes from across the state that gather information from their fellow athletes, coaches, and staff at the state office and give our opinions helping to improve our organization and further our movement for more inclusion into the future.

Not only that, but like you, I am a Plunger, a Super Plunger! I took a year off from Super Plunging this year, but I have been jumping into the cold water for the past 15 years all while raising funds for my fellow athletes. The plunge has a special meaning in my heart as I watch participants like you freeze for my fellow athletes. The one day out of the year that I get to see so many people come out and support us, even if it is for a few minutes braving the cold icy water. Your warm heart is helping us share our voices with the community letting us say we are hard-working contributing members of society. I encourage you to join us at future events as a volunteer, coach, unified partner, or spectator and join our inclusion revolution!

Plunge on and thank you!