The 13th Labour
August 4, 2025
Special Olympics Columbia District
The 12 Labours Special Olympics program is more than just a CrossFit class. This program provides unique opportunities for individuals with special needs to maintain, gain, and challenge their mental and physical capabilities. Through our targeted skills and programming, we strive to improve and assist in their lifelong battle for increased and long-lasting independence.
Over the past 3 years, our program has focused on increasing each athlete's strength, endurance, coordination, cardio, and neuromuscular performance. All of our athletes have made great strides in each area. The coaches and members have celebrated new PRs; ranging from independent sit-ups to lifting very impressive barbell numbers.
The Columbia district has recently implemented performance tracking for each athlete's Olympic lifts (Squats, Power Cleans, Snatches, and Deadlifts) and introduced some higher-level skills. The athletes have surpassed our expectations with their abilities in new skills such as wall walks and jumping rope!
The past 2 years, the Columbia class members have completed the CrossFit Open workouts as a group in the beginning of the year and have demonstrated an increase in independence and improvement in their skills. They again stepped up to the challenge of and exceeded expectations in the Community Cup. As the athletes continue to demonstrate overall improvement and capability with new skills; we will continue to introduce additional higher-level skills.
Several of the athletes have turned their sights to officially competing in the Open workouts as individuals next year. Come check them out on Monday and Wednesday nights at the Columbia District.
We look forward to continuing our work with these amazing athletes and are excited for the continued success yet to come!
- Elizabeth Gilbert M.S. CCC-SLP, CF-L1, ATA
MORE RECENT POSTS
We’re kicking off the new year with one of our favorite annual traditions: the Resolution Games, taking place on Saturday, January 31 at the Annapolis District. This in-house pairs competition features approachable divisions for every 12 Labours athlete and gives our entire community a chance to come together and test their fitness in a supportive environment. Event Details Location: 12 Labours Annapolis District Date: Saturday, January 31 Format: In-house pairs competition Divisions:: Sport, Fitness & Wellness Registration: Live now on Competition Corner Closes: January 3 at 11:59PM ET Cost: $120 per pair NEW THIS YEAR — Allied Teams Columbia’s Special Olympics group is excited to announce the addition of Allied Teams to this year’s event. These same-sex teams will pair one Special Olympics athlete with one 12 Labours member, completing the “Wellness” workouts side-by-side. We’re proud to bring this inclusive, community-driven addition to the 2025 Games. Email edgilbe@carrollk12.org The Resolution Games are all about connection, celebration, and testing your fitness in a fun, supportive environment. Whether it’s your first competition or your fifteenth, this event brings the entire community together to start the year with purpose and momentum Kick off your year with purpose, connection, and a great day of fitness. Grab your partner and secure your spot today!
We are proud to welcome Chris Woods as our new Coach and Columbia District Manager. Many members may already recognize Chris through his wife, Maili Woods, who has long been a part of 12 Labours media and event coverage. Chris and Luke both began their journeys at CrossFit BWI, and since 2012 Chris has played a major role in the Mid-Atlantic CrossFit community—competing as an athlete, judging at every MACC event, and supporting our community alongside Maili, who has photographed nearly every major 12 Labours event, including our grand opening in 2012. Chris brings nearly 20 years of professional fitness experience, including competing at the 2008 CrossFit Games. Known for his love of heavy lifts and fast workouts, he has a particular passion for coaching the snatch. His expertise, energy, and leadership will continue to strengthen the world-class environment we strive to build at 12 Labours. The Woods family has deep roots in this community, and we are excited to see their daughter, Margo, grow up in the same gym that has been part of their story for over a decade. Please join us in giving Chris a warm welcome to his new role. We’re excited for the next chapter of growth, community, and performance that he will help lead. Instagram: @thestrengthdude
After years of a mostly sedentary job and feeling stuck in a fitness rut, John knew it was time to make a change. Looking for a way to get active again, he turned to CrossFit — inspired by his brother’s positive experience — and discovered 12 Labours CrossFit in Annapolis. Starting in June 2025, the first few workouts were challenging, but Coach Mel guided John through the Foundations program, building confidence and showing that the workouts were achievable. With the coaches’ support and guidance on modifications, John transitioned into group classes and steadily improved both technique and strength. Now a regular at the 6:30 am class, John has found a routine that works and enjoys the journey. His favorite lift is the bench press, and his main goal is simple but important — to stay healthy, avoid injury, and feel great after every workout. When asked what makes 12 Labours special, John doesn’t hesitate: “The awesome coaches.”
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