Special Olympics Connecticut Global Messenger

Daniel Widing

Birth Date: January 30, 1973
Home Town: Avon, CT
Sports: Soccer, basketball, Floor hockey, volleyball

I am Daniel Widing, and I live in Avon. I am in the Farmington Valley Special Olympics program. I started in Delaware when I was 8. Then I was in West Hartford.

Special Olympics Connecticut is a big part of my life. I have so many friends in Special Olympics. My friends and coaches are really another family for me, and families help each other. In Special Olympics, I learn sports and play hard for my teams. I especially like Unified Sports, where Partners join the Athletes on the teams. At Special Olympics, I learn to be responsible and that helps me at my work and where I live. I have lots of medals and ribbons that are all over my room.

Most important to me is good sportsmanship. We learn to keep trying, and to show that we are good sports, even if we do not win. In 2006, I was given a Special Olympics Spirit of Life Award which I am very proud of that.

I work at the Big Y Supermarket in Avon as chief bagger. I have been there for 10 years. I am proud of my work and like to help the customers. A customer in 1997 nominated me for the Outstanding Young Adult award, by the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress.

I live with my parents. There are now three adults in this family. We all pitch in. I can walk to my work. I do many other things on my own. I walk to different malls, and to the movies. I am careful when I am on my own, and phone home to say where I am. I like having friends over. I like the library, and going on trips when we can. I am typing about history and things that interest me, from the books I read, and some trips I have taken.