Evans Goes ‘Over The Edge’ In Support of Special Olympics

BETHESDA, Md. -- Maryland Athletic Director Damon Evans went ‘Over The Edge’ in support of Special Olympics Maryland on Friday. Joined by Special Olympics athlete Justin Hunsinger, Evans, along with Testudo and the SOMD Polar Bear, rappelled off the 16-story tall Bethesda Metro Station.

“It was exciting and exhilarating to go Over The Edge with my friend Justin,” said Evans, who is on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Maryland. “We have always wanted to partner with organizations who have similar values to ours and that is true of Special Olympics Maryland. What (SOMD) does with the individuals who participate in sports, providing them an outlet to shine. That’s what we do at the University of Maryland, we give our student-athletes an opportunity to shine. It’s a partnership that we are all very proud of.”

Over the Edge is a unique opportunity to give back to the local community with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The event is held annually to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Maryland, the state’s largest year-round organization devoted to sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Men’s basketball coach Mark Turgeon and volleyball head coach Adam Hughes along with several other Maryland staff members came out to support Evans and Hunsinger as they went over the edge. 

“To see Justin have the guts to come down this building today was pretty cool,” said Turgeon. “(Special Olympics Maryland) backed us throughout the entire season. It’s a great relationship and a lot of fun for everybody.”

Participating in 2021 Over the Edge helped to provide year-round sports and leadership programs for 8,716 athletes of Special Olympics Maryland. 100% donations will go to support the sports and leadership programs offered throughout the state. All of SOMD’s programs are FREE to athletes and families thanks to generous community supporters who believe in the Special Olympics mission: to give our athletes opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.