Special Olympics Connecticut Global Messenger

Beth Sklar

Birth Date: June 11, 1963
Home Town: New Haven, CT
Sports: Bowling, Track and Field

I started participating in Special Olympics in 1996, competing in track by running the 50 meter dash and the 100 and 200 meter runs. That first year I got all gold medals in the regional games and did very well in the state games. In 1998 and 1999 I competed in skiing.

In 2002 I did very well the last day of competition, winning a gold medal that allowed me to try and qualify for the world games in Dublin Ireland in June of 2003. Well I did it! I went to Ireland, ran the 100 meter run, and got a bronze medal and for the first time in my life threw the shot-put and got a silver medal. My parents were there right in the front cheering me on.!

In 2004 Bobby Norco, Chapel Haven's head coach, asked me to become a Global Messenger for Special Olympics. I was very excited to have been asked to be a Global Messenger and represent my Chapel Haven team. To date I have spoken at two state games and was very glad I got the opportunity to appear before a large crowd and TV to speak. It sure has boosted my self confidence and gave me the additional satisfaction of helping Special Olympics.

Picture: Beth Sklar (right) with SOCT Director of Public Relations Laura Gremelsbacker and fellow GM Carol LaPointe