Special Olympics Connecticut Global Messenger

Julie Cavanaugh

Birth Date: June 16, 1978
Home Town: Cornwall Bridge, CT
Sports: Cross Country Skiing, Track and Field, Bowling, and Swimming

I was eight years old when I first participated in Special Olympics Connecticut. My first sport was bowling. At that time I was living in Thomaston, and participated with Watertown Area Association for Special Citizens. My special education teacher, Mr. Rocco Calabrese, was also my coach. In 1987 I moved to Cornwall Bridge with my family, but I continued to participate in Special Olympics with W.A.A.S.C. After I finished high school I became a member of the Northwest Connecticut Special Olympics Swim Team. Because I participate with Watertown in track and field events at the Summer Games I only practice with the Swim Team and participate in their invitational meets. I was the 2001 recipient of the Connecticut Special Olympics Spirit of Life Award.

My mom and I do a lot of traveling together. We just came back from a trip to North Carolina. We have gone to Canada, Myrtle Beach SC, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon to name a few places. A few years ago we went from Massachusetts cross country on Amtrak to California and then flew back to CT.

My life is very active. I am a paid volunteer part time at three places; a nursing home, an adult day center, and the Cornwall Free Library. I enjoy working with senior citizens. I also do social activities with LARC Inc. in Torrington. I am very proud to be a Special Olympian. I am always happy to win a gold medal in my sport, but I always know that I have done my best and had fun participating. To me that is the true spirit of Special Olympics.

I have met some wonderful people participating in Special Olympics; my fellow athletes, the coaches, the one on one volunteers, the spectators, and the Special Olympic personnel. I hope as a global messenger I will be able to let all the volunteers and sponsors know how much the athletes appreciate each and everyone of them.