Special Olympics Powerlifting is about much more than bench presses and dead lifts. It is about barriers, perseverance and success. Training, determination and attitude determine the fine line between success and failure. The bar may test an athlete’s physical abilities, but an internal desire to improve — to not settle for less — is the drive behind the strain and dedication of the sport. Special Olympics powerlifters are eligible to compete in two lifts: the bench press and the dead lift, or a combination of the two lifts.
As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender.
Athletes must be at least 16 years old to participate.
| Coaches | Head Coach – Jim Downs Sport Director – Tina Connolly |
| Season Dates & Times | Practices: Every Sunday, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, in separate one-hour practice sessions starting August 23, 2026. Coach will assign athletes to a practice session. Qualifier: Howard County – Location & Date TBD State Games: Fall Fest – Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Mount St. Mary’s University (Emmitsburg, MD) Signup Begins: Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 6 PM |
| Medical & Volunteer Expiration Date | Sport’s State Games competition date: October 17, 2026 All Forms must be up to date before the signup date (first Sunday in July). The expiration date on an Athlete’s Registration form, or a Volunteer’s certification, must be after the above State Games competition date to participate in the upcoming season. |
You can find the official Special Olympics Rules, Fact Sheet, Coaching Guide, and other resources at this link: Special Olympics Powerlifting.
No special equipment is required, acceptable attire for practices are shorts, sweats, t-shirts, tennis shoes and knee-high socks.
One-piece lifting suites (singlets) will be provided for competitions.
Location: Gold’s Gym Olney (18330 Village Center Drive, Olney, MD 20832). The gym is located next to TJ Maxx.
Timing: Practice occurs every Sunday morning. Coach will assign one-hour practice sessions at season start.
Activities: Special Olympics powerlifters are eligible to compete in two lifts: the bench press and the dead lift, or a combination of the two lifts. We will accept as many athletes into this program as our coaching staff can support with “first come/first served”.
The Howard County Qualifier location and competition date will be announced after season start. This is the only qualifier for Special Olympics Powerlifting.
The State Competition for Powerlifting is held at Special Olympics Maryland’s Fall Fest at Mount St. Mary’s (16300 Old Emmitsburg Rd., Emmitsburg, MD 21727) in Mid-October.
Athlete must attend practice regularly and compete in the Howard County Qualifier to be eligible for State Competition.
Powerlifters can participate in other SOMO sports as long as the athlete can maintain full practice participation in all of their sports.
As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age, and gender.
