January 2009
Feature Story
Important News
Upcoming News
Sports Department News
Development Department News
Northwest Regional News
Southwest Regional News
Eastern Regional News
CAS Unified® Sports School Program
Advancement
Board of Directors
Feature Story
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM SPECIAL OLYMPICS CONNECTICUT!
Special Olympics Connecticut Celebrating 40 years….
This year as we celebrate our 40th anniversary we will be looking back on the milestones and highlights of our history. Every month we will offer fun facts and a trivia question. The first person to respond via e-mail with the correct trivia question answer will win a prize. If you think you have the winning answer e-mail Cathy Zaorski at CathyZ@soct.org by January 19th. Good luck and enjoy the trip down memory lane!
Fun Facts
Did you know?
• Since 1969 Special Olympics Connecticut has been offering competition to athletes for 4 decades. This year we celebrate our history by bringing you a look back on what we have accomplished over the years.
• The 1969 Summer Games were held on the UConn campus with 800 participants competing in 2 sport areas: track & field & aquatics. Today we offer 21 sports and have 5 annual state competitions.
• In 1991, 35 brave souls took the first plunge of the beaches of Madison.
On January 31st, hundreds are expected to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the first Penguin Plunge. This winter we will also have an additional 7 plunges statewide. To take the plunge and support our 40th anniversary click here.
Trivia Question
• The first Special Olympics Games was held in the United States in July, 1968 with 1,000 athletes from 26 states participating. 3 athletes from Connecticut Andy Rodi, Jack Lindsay, and Kevin Wheeler participated. Where was this first event held?
Important News
Freezin’ For a Reason for Special Olympics Connecticut
Special Olympics Connecticut has a great and rewarding way for you to get in the spirit of giving this New Year. Celebrate our 40 years of changing attitudes and changing lives by taking the plunge for Special Olympics Connecticut….
January 25
Farmington, Winding Trails
January 31
Madison, Hammonasset
February 7
Winsted, Highland Lake
February 15
New London, Ocean Beach Park
February 15
Middlebury, Lake Quassy Park
February 21
Middletown, Crystal Lake
March 7
Westport, Compo Beach
March 7
Ellington, Crystal Lake December 5
East Haven Town Beach
Raise Funds, Take the Plunge & Earn A Trip For Two!!!!!
Plus, raise $750 or more on line and you'll be entered into a drawing to win a trip for 2
to Puerto Rico.
Register on-line and set up a personal or team page to raise money for the 6,000 athletes of Special Olympics Connecticut.
To register or for more information, click here or call Nick at 203.230.1201 ext. 270.
Mary Carriere Celebrates 20 Years Working For Special Olympics Connecticut
2009 marks another wonderful milestone for Special Olympics Connecticut, the 20th
anniversary of dedicated employee Mary Carriere. Mary started her career with Special Olympics Connecticut in January of 1989 as Assistant to then Executive Director Peter Wheeler. Since then, she has worked her way to the position she holds today, Director of Administration and Information Management.
In this position Mary is behind all the initiatives of SOCT and as her supervisor, Senior
VP and CFO Mike Mason explains, "Mary is always looking at ways to use technology to better the way we run events and make the lives of our local coordinators, volunteers and staff a little bit easier. While she remains behind the scenes most of the time, Mary is a great asset to SOCT, our athletes and volunteers and we truly appreciate all she does. Mary gives her all everyday for the betterment of the organization." Well said!
Mary's colleagues enjoy working with Mary every moment and everyone knows that she is here for all the right reasons. As Mary herself said, "In the last 20 years I have watched how Special Olympics has made an impact on people with intellectual disabilities. To see the friendships and see the excitement that this program brings, putting it in words is really difficult however, the feeling is great! I am still amazed at how dedicated our volunteers are, they are truly the heartbeat of Special Olympics. The place I call home 95% of the time is in the Hamden office, believe me, there is never a dull moment!"
Here’s to another 20 years Mary! Congratulations!
Sports Illustrated Honors Eunice Kennedy Shriver With The First Sportsman Of The Year Legacy Award
Washington DC, 3 Dec 2008 – Last night, Sports Illustrated honored Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver with the first Sportsman of the Year Legacy Award at the 2008 Sportsman of the Year celebration in New York City. Bobby Shriver, Mrs. Shriver’s son, attended the celebration and accepted the award on her behalf.
The Sportsman of the Year Legacy Award was created to recognize those who have, over the course of their lifetime, demonstrated the ideals of sportsmanship.
Mrs. Shriver was recognized for having transformed a population. In 1968, she marched alongside 1,000 athletes from 26 states in the first Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies in Chicago, Illinois. On that day Mrs. Shriver recited the impactful words that remains the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Today more than 2.8 million athletes participate in the Special Olympics in 180 countries worldwide.
In addition to recognizing Mrs. Shriver’s lifetime of selfless contributions, this week’s
issue of Sports Illustrated includes a special feature on Special Olympics. Sports
Illustrated senior writer Jack McCallum takes a look back at the 40-year-history of the
Special Olympics and the first Special Olympics Games in 1968.
2009 Hall Of Fame
“Special Olympics Connecticut Celebrates 40 Years”
Mark your calendars – We will be celebrating 40 years of “Changing Attitudes.
Changing Lives” at the 2009 Hall of Fame on Thursday, March 19th at the Aqua Turf Country Club in Plantsville. You won’t want to miss this spectacular event where athletes, volunteers, and sponsors are recognized for their many years of dedication!
Lifetime Coaches Certification
Special Olympics Connecticut is now offering coaches with long-standing experience, a chance to apply for Lifetime Certification. As many of you are aware, the Coaches
Education Program has been on the rise in the last two years in Connecticut. In 2007, we offered a record breaking 18 coaches’ training schools; 12 different sports were offered as well as a CPR/First Aid class. Over 200 coaches became certified and received their new credentials throughout the year. In 2008, we offered another 18 coaches training schools certifying over 100 more coaches.
In order for one to apply for Lifetime Coaches Certification, a coach must be involved for at least 10 years and meet a few other requirements; the coach must then fill out the Lifetime Certification application as well as include a write-up answering all questions and adding any other pertinent information in regards to qualifications.
The application and write up will be reviewed and voted on by a group of seven volunteer coaches and sports directors which make up the Lifetime Certification Coaches Committee. Please allow 60 days for review to hear back from Special Olympics Connecticut regarding the status of your application.
Please read the application carefully and follow the specific instructions before sending
in. Remember a coach must be involved for at least 10 years and meet a few other
requirements in order to be considered for Lifetime Certification so please be sure to
read carefully. All completed applications can be sent to the address at the bottom of
the page. Please click here for the application. Thank you.
Upcoming News
2009
Feb. 28 - March 1 2009 Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games
March 19 Hall of Fame, Aqua Turf Country Club, Plantsville
Click here for the 2009 Penguin Plunges
Click here for the 2009 Winter Games Dates to Remember
For more SOCT competition and special events click here
Sports Department News
2009 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
55 coaches attended the 2009 Winter Games Coaches Meeting held on Sunday, December 7th at the North Haven Middle School. If you were unable to attend the coaches meeting, the registration forms are now available on our website, www.soct.org.
Here is the link to the 2009 Winter Games forms, http://www.soct.org/local/forms.shtml .
Click here for the 2009 Winter Games Dates to Remember
Click here for a list of addresses for directions to the Winter Games venues and hotels
2009 Winter Games -- Family Housing
Residence Inn by Marriott in Avon will have rooms available at a room rate of $129.00/tax or $116.00/tax for Triple A members. This includes a full breakfast. They can be reached at 860.678.1666.
Centennial Inn & Suites, Farmington
Phone number: 860.677.4647
Cost: $119/tax
Please refer to booking ID: specialolymp when making reservations
Must make reservations by January 31, 2009 to guarantee room rate.
2009 Winter Games – Feb. 28 and March 1
The Winter Games coaches meeting took place on December 7.
Notes from the meeting are as follows:
• Coaches Training schools will take place in Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding at Mohawk Mountain in both December and January
• All registration materials and dates to remember were distributed; contact Sue Mohr at susanm@soct.org with any registration questions
• Alpine & Snowboarding will take place at Ski Sundown in New Hartford;
everyone was reminded that there is absolutely NO PARKING at Ski
Sundown for anyone attending these games including, staff, volunteers,
athletes, coaches and most importantly families and spectators; please
help us to respect the use of this facility by using the offsite
parking and shuttle service
• We now have 2 individuals interested in coaching snowboarding;
contact Laurie-Jean Hannon at laurie-jean@soct.org if you have any
athletes interested in learning this sport
• Cross Country skiing and Snowshoes will take place at the Northeast
Utilities Service Center in Simsbury; everyone was asked to please
utilize the shuttle service from the off site parking area for this
venue as well; each program may park one vehicle on site but all
others including families and spectators must use the offsite lot;
• Figure and Speed Skating will take place at the International Skating
Center of Connecticut in Simsbury; our skaters will be joined this
year by some athletes from Special Olympics Massachusetts;
• Floor Hockey will take place at the hangar at Pratt & Whitney in
East Hartford; any teams needing to order equipment are asked to
contact Laurie-Jean Hannon as soon as possible;
• Coaches Handbooks will no longer be printed in response to cost
savings; all information will be posted on our website in early
February; all venue directions can be reached by GPS systems or
www.Mapquest.com;
• Transportation will be cut back again in response to cost savings;
shuttles will run for Alpine Skiing and Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoes,
however, additional shuttles will only be provided on a limited basis;
Saturday morning from the Farmington Marriott to Ski Sundown and the
International Skating Center of Connecticut; Saturday afternoon from
venues to the hotel and then again on Sunday morning from the hotel to
the venues; no transportation will be available on Sunday afternoon
from any venue back to the hotel; no transportation will be provided
for Floor Hockey as their hotel is within 5 minutes of the venue;
• Floor Hockey teams will be staying at the Sheraton Hartford Hotel;
Alpine Skiers will join all others at the Farmington Marriott Hotel
• Lunches are for athletes, coaches and volunteers only; family
members are encouraged to bring a lunch or purchase lunch from the
various food vendors; Special Olympics Connecticut cannot afford to
provide meals for anyone other than those participating in the Winter
Games; concessions will be offered at all venues wherever possible;
• Any questions about the Coaches meeting should be directed to
Laurie-Jean
National Games 2010
The USA National Games will take place in July of 2010 in Lincoln,
Nebraska.
The quota for Team CT is as follows:
• Aquatics – 4 Females
• Athletics – 2 Females, 4 Males
• Bocce – 1 Unified® Team
• Bowling – 2 Females, 2 Males
• Golf – 2 Females, 6 Males
• Powerlifting – 2 Males
• Tennis – 2 Females, 2 Males
• Unified® Basketball – 1 Team
• Unified® Volleyball – 1 Team
Athletes and partners will be chosen from the 2008 Fall Sports Festival (Golf) and the 2008 Holiday Sports Classic (Bowling and Powerlifting). Final team selection will take place after the 2009 Summer Games. Tryouts will be conducted for team sports including Unified® Bocce in the early spring of 2009.
We are looking for certified coaches in each one of these sports. We encourage all certified coaches to apply for one of these slots. Please contact Laurie-Jean at 203.230.1201 ext. 235 for more information.
Click here for the National Games Athlete & Partner Application.
Click here for the National Games Coach Application.
Becoming a Special Olympics Connecticut Certified Coach
Just as a reminder, in order to become a Special Olympics Certified Coach the following requirements must be met:
•Be a current Class “A” Volunteer (this includes Protective Behaviors).
The Class “A” Volunteer Applications and reference letters (for minors) are available on
the Special Olympics Connecticut website.
Here is the direct link for the Class “A” Volunteer Application http://www.soct.org/local/AVOLAPPRev091907.doc .
Here is the direct link for the Minor Reference Letter http://www.soct.org/calendar/minorreferenceletter.doc
•Protective Behaviors is also available on-line.
Here is the direct link to the Protective Behaviors Training and Quiz. www.specialolympics.org/protectivebehaviors
•Register and attend a Special Olympics Connecticut coaches training school for a specific sport
•Complete a General Orientation Session. The General Orientation Session, once completed, does not expire. The General Orientation Session is available on-line on the Special Olympics Connecticut website.
Here is the direct link to the General Orientation Session and quiz:
http://www.soct.org/local/coaches.shtml . Once the quiz is completed
e-mail notification will be sent to Sarah Dickinson in the Hamden Office
•Complete a 10-hour (minimum) practicum working with Special Olympics athletes in that sport following a coaches training.
•Complete, sign, and return an Application for Sports Training Certification form to the Hamden office. Please include the sport you are applying for on the application. The applicant’s Class “A” status must be current and the signed and returned form must be complete in order for a credential to be processed and printed. Each Certified Coach Credential lists the sport(s) that the coach is certified in as well as the expiration date (month/year) of that certification. The application must be signed by both the applicant and the applicant’s Local Coordinator. The application is available on the Special Olympics Connecticut website.
Here is the direct link for a copy of the application:
http://www.soct.org/calendar/coachescertificationapplication.doc
•Certification is good for 4 years from the date of the training school|
Please contact Sarah Dickinson, 203.230.1201 ext. 272 or sarahd@soct.org , if you have questions regarding the certification status of any of your coaches.
World Games Team USA
The 8 athletes representing Special Olympics Connecticut at the 2009 World Winter Games recently returned from their training camp at Copper Mountain, Colorado. Everyone had a great time training and meeting their fellow team members from TEAM USA. Their next adventure will be to the World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho in February.
Campus Customs, Inc.
The official supplier of Special Olympics Connecticut merchandise has a new website with Special Olympics Connecticut items and apparel. Please visit http://www.campuscustoms.com/soct to view what’s new and available for purchase.
Call for nominations
The New England Basketball Hall of Fame is inviting each New England state Special Olympics organization to nominate one male and/or one female player to be inducted for 2009. A non-player / Special Olympicsathlete who has distinguished her/himself at the New England level in basketball could be considered. This is not an award for volunteer coaches. Nominees should have distinguished her/himself as a player
on the local/state/New England and, possibly, national levels. If any program is interested in nominating anyone, please submit a short sketch of the nominee's background and accomplishments to Special Olympics Connecticut headquarters in Hamden, attention: Laurie-Jean Hannon by February 5, 2009. The successful nominee(s) must be present at the Induction Ceremony for induction into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. Those not inducted in 2009, will be listed for future consideration. The next (and 5th) induction ceremony is being planned for Friday, October 9, 2009.
Since 2002, the list of inductees has included a Special Olympics basketball player from New England in the Special Olympics Basketball award category. Previous recipients are: Jim Hill 2002, Jason Ruth 2003, Carmen Dilger 2004, and Maggie Sebastian 2006. Carmen Dilger is from Special Olympics Waterbury.
Development Department News
Knights of Columbus commit $30,000 for the 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference and Global Diversity Fund
On December 6th at a meeting of the Connecticut State Council, Scott Flood, State Deputy - Connecticut State Council, announced that the Knights of Columbus will commit $25,000 to Special Olympics Connecticut in the form of a sponsorship of the November 11-15, 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods.
Additionally, $5,000 will be directed to the a Diversity Fund that has been created by Special Olympics Connecticut to fund Special Olympics Programs with upstart or non-existent Law Enforcement Torch Run Programs around the world. The goal of the Diversity Fund would be to provide funding for these programs so that a representative can be sent to the conference. Our belief is that attendance at this educational, motivational, and inspirational conference will translate to increased awareness and increased funding for these programs thus providing more opportunities for the Special Olympics athletes within the country/state/province.
For more 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference or the Diversity Fund information, please contact Bob Garguilo, Vice President of Development at Special Olympics Connecticut State Office in Hamden by phone at 203.230.1201 ext. 223 or by e-mail at robertg@soct.org.
Bob’s Stores adds an End of Year Promotion for Special Olympics:
Bob’s Stores, already a strong supporter of the Special Olympics Programs in the New England/Tri-State Area, has brought to us another year end promotion that may significantly impact our program here in Connecticut. Bob’s Stores has sent out holiday cards to 150,000 of their top customers. Included within each card is a $20.00 gift card. For each gift card redeemed by January 31, 2009, Special Olympics will receive a $5.00 donation. Each state of the 6 states with Bob’s Stores will receive the proceeds from the cards redeemed within their respective state. Please visit Bob’s Stores when shopping for those last minute holiday presents and especially if you have received a gift card….
Recycle for our Special Olympics Heroes:
Special Olympics Connecticut has teamed up with Twigtek to recycle cell phones and cell phone accessories in a more “green” friendly manner. Special Olympics Connecticut has self addressed and postage paid envelopes that can be placed in your place of business for easy disposal of that old cell phone. Special Olympics
Connecticut will receive a financial donation for each phone turned into Twigtek with
these drop in the mail envelopes. So please do not toss your old phone or exchange it when upgrading – think of Special Olympics Connecticut and pick up a recycle bag at the Special Olympics Connecticut Office nearest to you or look for them at the next
Regional/State event in 2009.
For more info, please contact Bob Garguilo by phone at 203.230.1201 ext. 223 or by
e-mail at robertg@soct.org .
P&G Promotion
The P&G Promotion benefiting Special Olympics begins December 30th and continues until January 31st, 2009.
Please visit www.pg.com/everydaysolutions for more information of the many fine products available from Proctor & Gamble.
P&G has been a supporter of Special Olympics for 28 years. This year P&G will be donating $500,000 to support the Special Olympics movement.
Northwest Regional News
Night of Thanks
Thank you for all those who attended the Night of Thanks on December 9, 2009 held at the Thomaston Opera House. It was an enjoyable evening and a good time was had by all. We would like to congratulate all the honorees again, thank you for all that you do! Unfortunately the pictures taken did not turn out well but if you would like to see the
ones from your delegation please contact Morgan and she will be more then happy to send them via e-mail or mail.
Police Departments close out the year successful Tip-A-Cop Events.
The Brookfield Police Department hosted a Tip-A-Cop on a very rainy Thursday evening at Maggie McFly’s in Brookfield. They were rewarded with over $1,300 in donations from the wet and generous patrons.
Members of the Danbury Police Department were early risers and held a very successfulTip-A-Cop at the Dunkin’ Donuts on Main Street. Through the generosity of the sleepy customers, and a matching gift from the store owners, over $1,100 was raised.
Congratulations to Officer Jay Pugliese for leading two Tip-A-Cops in Naugatuck. Breakfast was served by the Naugatuck Explorers at Cottington’s on Main, and the Naugatuck Police Department and their families dined at Jessie Camille’s. These efforts contributed over $1,100 to the mission of Special Olympics Connecticut.
Waterbury Police Department held their first Tip-A-Cop at Chili’s on December 15th. It was standing room only and the wait was over 30 minutes to have your favorite officer serve you. It proved to be a huge success bringing in almost $3,000. Thanks to Sgt. Lauer and all the officers and PAL personnel who helped out at the event. Special
thanks to Chili’s for allowing us to host the event at their restaurant.
It was a busy day at Dunkin’ Donuts in Winchester on November 29th when Sgt. Kinahan and Officer Dan Pietrafesa along with Sharon Pelkey of the Northwest Region served coffee and donuts and raised over $1,700 in four hours. Congratulations to the Winchester Police Department on their 1st successful event and to Dunkin’ Donuts for
allowing us to serve their patrons.
Garner Corrections Tip-A-Cop at Senor Ponchos on December 19th and Watertown Police Departments Tip-A-Cop on December 20th were both cancelled due to Winter Strom Austin.
Watch for upcoming Tip-A-Cop events and a Fire Engine Pull in 2009!
Penguin Plunge Time Is Upon Us
The first Northwest Region Penguin Plunge of 2009 will be held at Winding Trails Recreation Center on Sunday, January 25th in Farmington. Brad Drazen of NBC Channel 30 is scheduled to plunge. WTIC 96.5 Radio personalities Damon Scott & Jennine Jersey will once again serve as Master of Ceremonies. See you there!
The 2nd largest Penguin Plunge in the state will occur in Winsted on Saturday, February 7th at Highland Lake. This is followed by the 3rd largest Penguin Plunge in the state, being held at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury on Sunday, February 15th.
Special thanks to all that made 2008 a successful year. We are looking forward to your continued support in 2009!
Southwest Regional News
1st Penguin Plunge of Season in East Haven was a Big Success!
Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s East Haven Penguin Plunge on December 6th. The event raised $24,231.79 the day of the event which includes $388 from the raffle and $73 in tips for our fine group of hot dog grillers, plus sponsorship. We welcomed many new and returning teams and individuals to the plunge and were fortunate to have a beautiful sunny day for the event.
East Haven Mayor April Capone Almon, Connecticut State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, members of the HHC 1/102 Infantry Connecticut Army National Guard, students from area schools and Universities, and individuals and teams representing Special Olympics athlete programs in Hamden/New Haven and North Haven were among the approximately 100 "Penguins" who jumped into the chilly waters of Long Island Sound to support Special Olympics Connecticut!
Hot beverages and soups were provided by the Sandpiper Restaurant. Treats were provided by Entenmann’s, Hummel Bros., Adams Hometown Markets / IGA Hometown Supermarkets, The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New England, and Crystal Rock Water Company.
Bronze sponsors of the event included Webster Bank and Fidelity Investments. John Voket from WPLR, the radio sponsor for this event, was on site providing music and announcements. USI Connecticut and Atlas Chiropractic also offered their support. Gail Feinstein served as the volunteer chair for the event and did an extraordinary job, as
did Chuck Licata from the East Haven Fire Department who assisted with logistics.
To see the event award winners, please go to www.soct.org/plunges/ . Top fundraisers included Jared’s Team and Scott Goldin.
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Monroe Happenings
Monroe Police Department held their annual Tip-A-Cop fundraiser at Senor Pancho’s, located at 262 Main Street (Route 25) on a lively Saturday evening, December 13th. Thanks to Sgt. Pete Howard who organized the event and the officers who volunteered, as well as Steve Albarado, one of the owners of Senor Pancho’s, who was a
wonderful host.
Senor Pancho’s also recently hosted an appreciation event for the officers who support Special Olympics Connecticut in the Southwest Region, year-round. (photo to the right). Awards were presented to Senor Pancho’s and the Fairfield County Sports Car Club for their contributions in 2008. Many departments were represented at the
appreciation dinner.
Bridgeport Police Take Fundraising to Great Heights
The Bridgeport Police Department conducted very successful holiday Cop-On-Top events at the Merritt Canteen, located at 4355 Main Street in Bridgeport on Monday, December 15th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at Vazzy’s Restaurant, located at 513 Broadbridge Road, on Thursday, Dec. 18th.
Bridgeport Police Officers, donning Santa hats, were hoisted up in the air in a “lift” and collected donations in Christmas stockings from drivers passing though busy intersections to raise awareness about Special Olympics Connecticut and funding that will support year-round sports training programs and competitions for its athletes.
Officers on horses and the Bridgeport Mobile Command Center also helped to gain the attention and support of those passing by!
Sacred Heart University Raffle is a Success
Sacred Heart University held a two-day fundraiser on campus. Students were asked to purchase paper torches and make a donation to enter a raffle. The winner of the raffle won the privilege of parking in one of the public safety parking spots for the semester, which is located right near the University’s main entrance! Thanks to John Kichinko, Jack Fernandez, and the great student volunteers who made this activity possible and successful! Global messengers Matt Klemets and Mick Hedrick helped out too!
Public Safety Officers at Fairfield University Win Award
Congratulations to the Public Safety Department at Fairfield University which was selected to receive the 2008 Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Award, presented each year by Security on Campus Inc. (SOC), in memory of Jeanne Clery. The national award was established in 1994 by Howard and Connie Clery in memory of their daughter. The award honors schools and individuals “that have done extraordinary things to make college and university students safer.” Approximately 20 Public Safety officers, who are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and CPR Instructors, patrol the campus 24 hours/day, 365 days/year. They are also certified as “Supplemental First Responders” for the Town of Fairfield. The Travel Safety Orientation Program for students planning to study abroad, one of the initiatives highlighted by Jonathan Kassa, Executive Director of SOC, was introduced by Todd Pelazza, Director of Public Safety at Fairfield University. The program covers tips such as how and what to pack, the
importance of learning local laws and customs, recording credit card toll free numbers, and knowing the location of the closest hospital, police station, and friendly embassy.
Save the Dates
Saturday, February 28th
Milford Yacht Club Police and Firefighter Chili Festival
Sunday, March 22nd
Special Olympics Connecticut Day with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Eastern Regional News
Special Olympics Connecticut Night at the Hartford Wolf*Pack
What better way to spend a Friday night than with friends and family at a Hartford Wolf*Pack game – and raise money for Special Olympics Connecticut at the same time! January 30th, 2009 is Special Olympics Connecticut Night with the Wolf*Pack. $23 tickets are on sale for only $17 with Special Olympics Connecticut earning a portion of the proceeds from each specially priced ticket sold. Come watch the Wolf*Pack battle it out against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in this Friday night showdown. Click here for ticket order form and contact Jackie, jackiet@soct.org, with any questions. You can also order tickets on-line by using the following link and entering the promotional code “SOCT”.
https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/group_corp_start.htmI?l=EN&team=wolfpack&owner=118455&group=33&err=&event=&customerID.
Happy Holidays!
Special Olympics Connecticut athletes, partners, coaches, and families from across New London County gathered in the Officers Club of the US Coast Guard Academy on December 9th for a Holiday Dinner and Dance Party. We are quickly outgrowing our current venue as over 280 smiling faces were in attendance. Santa and his elf even showed up to spread some holiday cheer! After a delicious meal, the REAL fun began! Check out some of our great photos from the party!
Correction
Oops! We made a mistake reporting that the group “Cash Kings” – who raised the most money for the Bowl-A-Thon with the Hartford Wolf*Pack represented South Windsor, when in fact, they represent Windsor. Sorry for the mistake – please accept our apologies; and again, Congratulations!
CAS Unified® Sports School Program
Unified® Sports Developing Confidence
One Tournament at a Time
Lou Pear - Director of Unified® Sports Connecticut Association of Schools
All one has to do is observe the interaction between the Athlete and the Unified® Partner after a goal is scored, a basket is made, or a race is finished. The smile, the high-five, or the thumbs-up speaks volumes. In our recent fall soccer and the upcoming basketball tournaments we have and will continue to focus on physical
development,teamwork, and social confidence. It is this confidence that is so very important to the success of our tournaments and the stature of the athlete, partner, and coach. Through the concerted efforts of these three stakeholders, social skills are being reinforced and a special bond is strengthened each time the players take the field or the court.
Confidence building is an on-going process where coaches stress the interaction among their players during practice, in school, at the mall, and during tournament play. It is during this high level of nurturing and sense of caring for one another that our athletes show their appreciation, affection, and true spirit. Confidence is also heard in the oath each athlete, partner, and coach recite at the beginning of each tournament, “Let me win, But if I cannot win, Let me be brave in the attempt”.
Since Unified® Sports was founded the lives of people with intellectual disabilities have improved and in turn touched the lives of those who are confidence builders. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all who make a difference in the lives of the Unified® Sports family and may you all enjoy a Happy and Healthy New Year!
UNIFIED® SPORTS AT ITS BEST
The fall sports season for our Unified® Sports athletes has just completed its 15th
successful season. Through the dedicated service of our school coaches, site directors, and volunteers over 1,500 students were given the opportunity to participate in nine soccer tournaments throughout the state. In each of these tournaments there were hundreds of student volunteers who performed many valuable services. Our athletes were greeted by 100 students at the Country School in New Canaan as schools marched in the parade of athletes. The Bristol High School Jazz Band played the National Anthem and their varsity cheerleaders welcomed all athletes and partners with rousing cheers. At the Cheshire tournament our referees and scorekeepers were members of the Quinnipiac women’s soccer team. We were also assisted by students from Avon Old Farms School, Conard, Amity Regional and East Hartford High Schools. At the East Hartford High School there was a performance for our athletes and coaches by the varsity cheerleaders and the precision dance troupe.
In addition to these student “fans” we are blessed with the many volunteers from Bob’s
Stores and ESPN. These volunteers take the time from their busy schedule to be valuable assistants and enthusiastic fans for our athletes.
On behalf of the CIAC Unified® Sports Team, a heartfelt “Thank You” goes out to all of our volunteers, fans, athletes, and partners. As we prepare for the Winter Basketball
tournaments, we would like to wish our Unified® Sports family best wishes for a Happy New Year!
Advancement
Planned Giving
An athlete's future can begin today… Create a legacy of acceptance & inclusion. Please consider Special Olympics in your will or estate plan. For more information about Special Olympics Planned Giving opportunities click here.
Board of Directors
Fairfield County Sports Banquet
We are very proud of Gary Ciccone from Special Olympics Greenwich who received the very prestigious Special Olympics Sports Person of the Year award. This award was created by Patriot National Bank and given by the Fairfield County Sports Commission at their banquet held at the Greenwich Hyatt on October 20th. This is only the 2nd year for this award and a big congratulations to Gary Ciccone of Special Olympics
Greenwich for being honored as the recipient. Thank you to Board Chairman Roger Burns, Board Vice Chairman Dave Cassano, Board Program Chair Nancy Dennin, and Board Human Resource Chair Bonnie Smith for attending.
To read more about this exciting honor for Gary, click here.
New England Council Meeting
Thank you to Board Vice Chairman David Cassano for attending the New England Council Meeting with Beau in Massachusetts.
2009 Holiday Sports Classic
A big thank you to Board Vice Chairman Dave Cassano, Program Chair Nancy Dennin, Human Resource Chair Bonnie Smith, and Board Member Lisa Kovlakas for volunteering and attending the 2008 Holiday Sports Classic.
Next Full Board Meeting
The next Board Meeting will be a conference call held on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 6:00 pm. Please mark your calendars; Kelli will be sending out the call-in number and agenda as we get closer to the date.
Annual Board Meeting/Dinner
The Annual Board Meeting/Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 6:30 pm at the State Street School (Waterbury PAL) on 58 Griggs Street in Waterbury. A formal invitation will be sent out soon. Mark your calendars!
View Past Newsletters
