Powerlifting

Season: Fall – August through October

Email:   powerlifting@somdmontgomery.org 

Overview: 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 in 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.

CoachesJim Downs – Head Coach
Joyce Plaxen – Team Manager
Season Dates & TimesPractices: Every Sunday, 11:30 to 1:30, in separate one-hour practice sessions starting 8/20/2023 thru 10/15/2023. Coach will assign athletes to a practice session.

Qualifiers: TBD closer to season’s start

State Games: Fall Fest, 10/21/2023, Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg MD
Medical & Volunteer
Expiration Date
Sport’s State Games competition date

The expiration date on an athlete’s Medical form, or a Volunteer’s certification, must be after the above date to participate in the upcoming season.

Check athlete status here.
Check volunteer status here.

Special Olympics resources for Powerlifting

Equipment: No special equipment is required, acceptable attire for practices are shorts, sweats, t-shirts and tennis shoes. 

Uniform Requirements: One-piece lifting suites (singlets) will be provided for competitions.

Practice Overview

Location: Golds Gym Rockville (Wintergreen Plaza), 835 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852

Timing: Practice occurs every Sunday morning 

Activities: Special Olympics powerlifters are eligible to compete in two lifts: the bench press and the dead lift, or in 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”. 

Qualifiers:  Howard County Qualifier Date TBA

State Competition:  Mount St. Mary’s in Mid-October

Eligibility for State Competition: Athlete must attend practice regularly and compete in the Howard County Qualifier to be eligible for State Competition. 

Participation in Other SOMO Sports: Powerlifters can participate in other SOMO sports so 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.