HELPING THE ATHLETES IS MEANINGFUL TO ME IN SO MANY WAYS. IT HELPS ME DEAL WITH THE PAIN. IT GIVES ME A PURPOSE KNOWING THAT I AM HAVING A POSITIVE
Photography by Stephen Buchanan
IMPACT ON OTHER PEOPLE’S LIVES.”
TOWNE SALUTE
Jonathan Fosdal
Special Olympics Maryland
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By Tom Worgo
n September 2021, when Jonathan Fosdal was volunteering at a Special Olympics Maryland golf event in Queenstown, he broke down in tears. It happened as he watched a young athlete with Down Syndrome compete. “It just hit me,” Fosdal recalls. “I got really, really emotional. I had to step back and take a few deep breaths.”
The connection he made was both beautiful and very painful. It reminded him why he’s been such a devoted volunteer to Special Olympics Maryland over the past decade. Eleven years ago, his youngest daughter, Leah, who also had Down Syndrome, passed away at 10 months old.
“She was turning out to be an amazing little girl, full of giggles and just fun to be around,” Fosdal says. “Even before she passed away, I was envisioning getting her involved in various sports and how great it would be to spend that time with her and watch her grow. I still hold onto the memories of what Special Olympics would have meant to her.” The 46-year-old Fosdal, seems to volunteer for nearly every sporting event that Special Olympics Maryland organizes. He thoroughly enjoys spending time with the athletes, and he says it also does him a world of good. “Being around these athletes is therapeutic,” the Pasadena resident explains. “It helps me feel connected to my daughter even though she is gone. It helps me remember her and keep her memory alive. Helping the athletes is meaningful to me in so many ways. It helps me deal with the pain. It gives me a purpose knowing that I am having a positive impact on other people’s lives.” Special Olympics Maryland officials certainly appreciate the time and dedication he’s given to the organization. Fosdal will do whatever is asked. “Jonathan is what we look for in a volunteer,” says Special Olympics Maryland Director of Volunteers Sam Boyd. “He brings a lot of positive energy. If Jonathan is at an event, I know it’s going to happen. He is very excited to talk to other volunteers and athletes.” Special Olympics Maryland Director of Media Kira Northrop says Fosdal’s dedication is above and beyond. He’s participated in the Polar Bear Plunge and skiing events in Western Maryland. “He will travel all over the state for competitions or events,” she says. “It’s not only a chance to support his daughter, but to
support all the athletes.” Special Olympics Maryland holds a kayaking event at Washington College in Chestertown. He has attended it five times and it’s his favorite event since he himself is an avid kayaker. The organization relies on his kayaking expertise in a hands-on way, since safety is paramount. “We are out there to provide a safety net in case someone tips over and starts freaking out,” Fosdal says. “I have been able to be there a couple of times when that’s happened. It’s one thing to be there and be helping out, but when you can have an effect and an impact on that athlete, it’s something else entirely.” Fosdal also has an affinity for Special Olympics Maryland’s annual Polar Bear Plunge (this year’s Plungefest takes place February 3rd–5th at Sandy Point State Park). He’s worked as a volunteer and has taken the plunge about a dozen times. He enjoys handling any number of tasks. “I have sold tickets for the drinks,” he says. “I’ve spearheaded the management of the beach access for when they are doing the plunges. I just end up wherever they put me.” It was only a couple of months after his daughter’s death, late in 2019, that he took his first plunge. “He brings the memory of his daughter to every event, whether he steps onto a field or is on the water,” Boyd says. “He lives life through that.” Do you have a volunteer to nominate? Send What's Up? an email to editor@ whatsupmag.com.
whatsupmag.com | January/February 2022 | What’s Up? Central Maryland
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