Dear neighbors,

It is my great honor to congratulate Joseph "JoJo" Woodland, who brought home a gold medal from the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany. For two weeks, JoJo competed daily in several track and field events including the 200m, 400m, and 4x400m races, ultimately finishing first in the 400 meter contest. His commitment to excellence and perseverance are traits we should all emulate.

JoJo represented Ward 7 and the District on the world stage in a way that made us proud. He did so with determination, grace, sportsmanship and a competitive spirit that drove him to succeed.

All of JoJo's teammates, their coaches, families and the folks who make the Special Olympics a success deserve a big round of applause. Through their efforts, people with intellectual and closely related developmental disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually, families are strengthened, and the community at large, both through participation and observation, is united in understanding people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.

Please consider supporting Special Olympics DC, the local chapter of a global movement that unleashes the human spirit every day through the transformative power and joy of sport.

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In service,

Vince

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