Featured Team - Team Justin

Justin Matthew Gregg was born November 3, 1986. He passed away on February 22, 2008 at the age of 21.

During his short time here on earth, Justin touched the lives of many people. To meet him was to love him. He is described by those who know him as determined, joyous, persistent, likeable, talkative, feisty, energetic, competitive, "cool", a people person, inquisitive, enthusiastic, prayerful, grateful, intelligent, a "ladies man", and loyal. He was truly a friend to everyone he met.

Special Olympics Maryland was an important part of Justin’s life. He began participating in track and field at age 8 and really never looked back. He spent the last 8 years of his life actively involved with the SOMD-Howard County program, participating – and winning medals in – soccer, golf, basketball, snowshoeing, bowling, track, figure skating, cycling, powerlifting, tennis and swimming.

This love of sports took him beyond SOMD participation and earned him a spot on the Oakland Mills High School track team – a team that he was also manager of for two years. Just as important is that Justin was an honor student and member of Best Buddies and The Alpha Achievers Honor Society throughout his entire time at Oakland Mills.

Justin was always interested in raising money for and promoting Special Olympics and in 2007, he asked his mother if he could do the MSP Polar Bear Plunge. He had just had hernia surgery so by doctor’s orders he could only go to his waist. His mother thought there no way he would go that far in the frigid water. But he did!

He was very proud of his accomplishment and immediately said that he wanted to do it again the next year. So, in 2008, he began raising funds for the Plunge. This time, he vowed to "go in all the way!" Once again, his mother didn't think he would do it. On his first attempt, he went in to his waist and then came back out. But then he ran back into the water and when it got to just above his knees, he fell in. So, although it was an accident, in what would become Justin’s second and final Plunge, he went all the way! He came out and raised his hands in victory. After that Plunge, he vowed become a Super Plunger in 2009. This time, his mother has no doubt he would do it.

While Justin will not be at the 2009 MSP Polar Bear Plunge in body, he will certainly be there in spirit. His very proud mother started "Team Justin" to raise money for SOMD in his honor. Currently, "Team Justin" has 17 members and they have raised over $1000.

Go to the Team Justin Donation Page>

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