Special Olympics Maryland Howard County Partnership

Columbia, MD

12 Labours CrossFit has partnered up with Special Olympics Maryland Howard County to provide CrossFit classes during the upcoming Winter season. CrossFit classes at 12 Labours will be offered to 15 eligible athletes during a 12 week period starting in January 2020. All Special Olympics programs will be offered at no cost to the athletes and the 12 Labours Team is committed to providing fundraising events throughout the year to continue this newly formed partnership.

Special Olympics Maryland Howard County

Special Olympics Maryland Howard County provides a year-round training and competitive sports program for Howard County children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or closely related developmental disabilities. The county provides training and competitions in athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, cycling, distance running, equestrian, flag football, golf, powerlifting, alpine and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and a motor activities training program.

Eligible athletes are all children and adults, at least eight years old, with intellectual disabilities, a cognitive delay, or a closely related developmental disability. Eligible athletes have functional limitations in both general learning and in adaptive skills. Children ages six and seven may participate in Special Olympics training but may not compete until age eight.

the start of a new beginning

“We are extremely proud to partner with Special Olympics Maryland Howard County and give back to our community,” said Wilson Pak, General Manager of 12 Labours CrossFit. “We have built a coaching staff and supportive network of members that will positively impact children and adults alike through functional fitness.” Both organizations have been working closely with one another to provide CrossFit classes within Howard County for all ability levels. The goal is to provide is to provide additional CrossFit classes outside of the winter season.

Pictured above: Wilson Pak, General Manager of 12 Labours CrossFit & Bob Baker, Director of Special Olympics Maryland Howard County

“We are looking forward to this exciting new partnership with 12 Labours CrossFit which will prepare our athletes to compete in our sports programs at their highest levels. Thank you to Wilson Pak and the 12 Labours leadership team for providing this awesome fitness opportunity to our Special Olympians!" stated Bob Baker, Director of Special Olympics Maryland Howard County.

Program Description

CrossFit classes at 12 Labours will incorporate aerobic exercise, bodyweight movements, and barbell movements. The goal of the strength and conditioning program will improve the overall fitness of each athlete while developing the skills to improve the demands of everyday life. 

Safe modifications can be made for any movement to still be challenging. Each session will consist of a warm-up, strength or skill focused movement, and a WOD (workout of the day) in a group atmosphere. Exercise equipment include rowers, bikes, dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, barbells, etc.

Eligible athletes will need to register on Monday, October 12th for the Winter Program.

Become an Athlete: https://somdhc.org/become-an-athlete/

Athlete Registration Form: https://somdhc.org/athlete-registration-form/

PRACTICE Information

Season: Winter
Season Duration: 12 Weeks

Classes: Tuesday & Thursday: 7:30pm - 8:30pm

Orientation: Thursday, 1/2 

Start Date: Thursday, 1/7

End Date: Thursday, 3/26

What this means for the 12 Labours Community

The 12 Labours Community will have the opportunity to volunteer their time and be paired with an athlete on a weekly basis. The purpose of integrating members into the program is to provide a first-class experience for our future athletes as they transition into CrossFit classes.

High school students can also attain community service hours towards their contribution to the program.

Next Steps

To volunteer, support or learn more about CrossFit classes at 12 Labours, please contact Wilson Pak, wilson@the12labours.com

To learn more about Special Olympics Maryland Howard County, please visit https://somdhc.org/