April 2009
Feature Story
Important News
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Upcoming Events
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
Special Olympics Connecticut
Celebrating 40 years….
As part of the on-going celebration of our 40th Anniversary we will be looking back on our milestones and highlighting our history. Trying to answer the monthly Trivia Question is one way to get all of you involved in our celebration. Looking back by reading the fun facts is another.
The first person to respond, via e-mail, with the correct answer to the trivia question
will win a prize. If you think you have the winning answer e-mail Cathy Zaorski at
cathyz@soct.org by April 21st. Good luck and enjoy the trip down memory lane!
The March Trivia Question was: Who was the Head Coach from Connecticut at the 1991 Special Olympics World Summer Games and where were the games held? The correct answer was Karen Anderson, who headed up the delegation in 1991 at the World Summer Games, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Congratulations to Sue Armitage who was the first one to e-mail in the correct answer. Good luck to all of you with this month’s trivia question.
April Trivia Question
Special Olympics Connecticut recently celebrated our successes with a wonderful Hall of Fame dinner. During the event, ESPN was inducted into the Special Olympics Connecticut Hall of Fame with the Community Leadership Award. In 1998, two corporate sponsors were the first to be inducted into the Special Olympics Connecticut Hall of Fame – Which two corporate sponsors were inducted in 1998?
April Fun Facts
Did you know?
The first Winter Games were held at Powder Ridge Ski Resort and at Choate Rosemary Hall School. Approximately 77 athletes took part in four events. The 2009 Winter Games offered six sports and we had 587 athletes and 136 partners participate.
The first Urban Youth Day was held in 2004 with 6 schools participating. There are 17 schools bringing approximately 290 students to test out our sports competitions at the 2009 Urban Youth Day.
The February trivia question dealt with slogans for the Summer Games competitions.
Here are some that have been used over our 40 years of competition – The Heat is On,
Show Them You Care, Families – Play to Grow, Skill, Courage, Sharing, Joy and The
Dream Lives On!
Do you have any trivia you’d like to see included in an upcoming issue – send your ideas and facts to cathyz@soct.org .
Take the Pledge and Spread the Word to End the Word
March 31, 2009 was National Awareness Day for Spread the Word to End the Word.
While those of us in the Special Olympics community have ceased using the word a long time ago, there are still those who use it regularly and don’t think anything about it. The r-word is often used to get a laugh, but there are many who do not find it amusing. Through awareness of the negative connotation change is possible.
Spread the Word to End the Word, was a National Awareness Day to raise awareness of the hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and encourage people to pledge to stop using it. On 31 March 2009, young people across the country lead local efforts to raise
awareness and collect pledges from peers and the community to vow not to use the R-word. Actor and activist John C. McGinley, of the hit show “Scrubs,” is helping with this effort by making national media appearances on behalf of the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. You can see a clip on his website, www.johncmcginley.com ,
and then click on News.
Spearheading the effort in Connecticut was Tim Shriver, Jr., a Yale University student
(and grandson of founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver) and Soeren Palumbo, a student at the University of Notre Dame. The movement began during the recent Special Olympics Global Youth Activation Summit held during the 2009 World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho. We urge you to visit www.r-word.org and sign-up to take the pledge. The website gives you the opportunity to post your thoughts. Make your friends and family aware – this is another way to support our athletes.
Important News
2009 Summer Games Coaches Meeting
Thank you to the 118 people who attended the 2009 Summer Games Coaches Meeting on March 21st at the North Haven Middle School.
If you were unable to attend the registration forms are now available on-line.
Please click here for the Summer Games Registration Forms.
Please click here for a list of 2009 Summer Games "Dates to Remember".
Please see the Eastern Regional News section of this issue of the e-newsletter for information about the 2009 Soccer Divisioning Tournaments.
Save the Date – the Dream Ride is coming!
Sunday, August 23, 2009 will be the 9th Annual Dream Ride and Dream Show. Motorcycle riders from across the state will leave from nine different locations around the state and navigate the roads of Connecticut with the Farmington Club being the final destination. If you or someone you know would like to participate, please visit www.hometownwheels.com for the details and sign-up sheet. For more event details, please see the Development Department News section in this issue of the e-newsletter.
It’s a Boy!
Laura Gremelsbacker, Vice President of Communications, recently gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Charles (Charlie) William. Both mother and baby are doing fine and big brother Jack is excited as well. Laura will be out on maternity leave until July. Cathy Zaorski will be covering her public relations duties. Cathy is a long time Special Olympics Connecticut volunteer and was the Public Relations Director for the New Haven Area many years ago. Please feel free to contact Cathy Zaorski by e-mail at cathyz@soct.org with your story ideas for future e-newsletter feature stories.
Southwest Regional Office has moved
The new address for the Southwest Regional Office is 101 Merritt Blvd, Suite 10,
Trumbull, CT 06611. The phone number will stay the same 203.380.9990 and the fax number is 203.380.9991.
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Law Enforcement Torch Run - Hall of Fame Honoree
On March 19th, at Special Olympics Connecticut’s annual Hall of Fame dinner, Pamela Neuendorf, Bridgeport Correctional Center, was honored with an Unsung Hero Award. She has been involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for many years. She is a member of the Torch Run Council and is the South District Liaison from LETR to DOC. She is also the Leg 10 Coordinator. She has held many fundraisers and provided support to the LETR program wherever possible.
Please congratulate Pam on her award!
Police Departments will be making arrests across the state in April to raise money for Special Olympics Connecticut!
Two Connecticut Universities will be holding “Jail n’ Bail” fundraising events for
Connecticut’s Law Enforcement Torch Run program.
April 15th – Southern Connecticut State University
April 22rd – Fairfield University
Last year, over $36,000 was raised during the Jail n’ Bail events.
Special Olympics Connecticut – Law Enforcement Fall Classic Hosted by CrossFit of Berlin
Special Olympics Connecticut Law Enforcement is teaming up with CrossFit USA of Berlin to host a fundraising event on September 20th from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. The event is open to anyone who pays the registration fee of $25.00. Different events will be set up in different categories and awards will be given to the winners.
What is Cross Fit? CrossFit is extreme, intense cross-training that can be done with basic gym equipment, in a group or alone. It is the latest progression in fitness training and the program has exploded into the mainstream. It has been used for several years in law enforcement, firefighting, and military circles. The regimens are short and brutal,
replacing ordinary weight lifting and steady-state aerobic training with mixed–up,
amped–up, double-espresso workouts!
Look for more event details in the coming months!
2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run Merchandise
If you would like to support the Law Enforcement Torch Run by purchasing this year’s shirt and/or hat, please contact Nick Osborn at 203.230.1201 ext. 270.
T-shirts $10.00 ($12.00 for XXL and XXXL)
Available sizes – M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Hats $10.00
2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run Events
April 15, 2009
Jail ‘n Bail
Southern Connecticut State University
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sgt. Tom Madera
April 17, 2009
Tip-A-Cop
Lakeview Restaurant
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Coventry PD
Ellen Jamaitus
April 22, 2009
Jail ‘n Bail
Fairfield University
8:00 – 5:00 pm
Todd Pelazza
April 24, 2009
Tip-A-Cop
Duffy’s, West Haven
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
West Haven Police Department
Det. Sgt. Paul Zarnetske
May 13, 2009
Tip-A-Cop
Mickey’s Restaurant
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Hamden Police Department
Det. John Marks
May 19 & 20, 2009
2009 Karting Challenge
SOCT – Steve DeWitte
August 23, 2009
Dream Ride
September 20, 2009
SO-LE
Special Olympics – Law Enforcement
Fall Classic
Hosted by CrossFit USA of Berlin
December 5th
Penguin Plunge
Coventry Lake
Coventry Police Department and ECSU Police Department
Ellen Jamaitus & Off. Dave Denunzio
Upcoming Events
April 20 Summer Games Registration, including housing due
For Summer Games Registration forms click here.
For the Summer Games "Dates to Remember" click here.
Please see the Eastern Regional News section of this issue of the e-newsletter for information with regard to the upcoming Soccer Divisioning Tournaments.
June 5, 6, & 7 2009 Summer Games
June 17 Fall Sports Festival Coaches Meeting
at CAS/CIAC Office, Cheshire
For more SOCT competition and special events click here.
Sports Department News
National Games 2010
Try outs were held on March 21st for the Unified® Basketball and Unified® Volleyball teams. The afternoon was a huge success with over 29 athletes and partners trying out for Basketball and over 34 athletes and partners trying out for Volleyball. The coaches had their work cut out for them as they ran everyone through drills and games. Once all applications have been reviewed everyone will be notified as to whether or not they have made the final teams. We thank everyone for coming to the Try outs and hope that everyone enjoyed the experience. Many thanks to Carol Kirkwood, Joyce Stille, Lisa Aronson, Mike Canty, Lesley Morgan, Karen Gallicchio, Pete Wagner, Jennifer Doyle, Chris Maillet, and Nancy Dennin.
We are still accepting applications for the sports of Golf and Bowling. Athletes need to have received a gold medal at either the Fall Sports Festival or the Holiday Sports Classic in 2008. Final team selection will take place after the 2009 Summer Games for the sports of Athletics, Aquatics and Tennis. Click here for National Games Athlete and Partner Application. All eligible athletes and partners are encouraged to apply.
We are still looking for certified coaches to apply for a position with Team Connecticut
for the National Games. We encourage coaches to apply for Aquatics, Athletics, Tennis, and Bowling. Click here for the National Games Coach Application.
Please contact Laurie-Jean at 203.230.1201 ext. 235 for more information.
2009 Summer Games Coaches Meeting
Thank you to the 118 people who attended the 2009 Summer Games Coaches Meeting on March 21st at the North Haven Middle School.
If you were unable to attend the regsitration forms are now available on-line.
Please click here for the Summer Games Registration Forms.
Please click here for a list of 2009 Summer Games "Dates to Remember".
2009 Soccer Divisioning Tournaments
Click here for a fact sheet for May 9th Regional Games and Soccer Divisioning Tournament at University of Hartford.
Click here for a fact sheet for May 16th Eastern Regional Games, Stonington
For more information on either event, please see the Eastern Region News section of this issue of the e-newsletter or e-mail Marc Mercadante at marcm@soct.org .
Summer Games 2009 Coaches Meeting Minutes
The 2009 Summer Games will be held June 5, 6 & 7 at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) and Hamden Hall Athletic Fields.
• Budget constraints facing Special Olympics Connecticut for 2009 were reviewed.
Effects on the Summer Games will include items such as transportation, food items,
printing, entertainment, supplies, postage, etc.
• The 2008 Zoomerang survey was reviewed with the committee taking into consideration all possible recommendations
• “Greening the Summer Games” will be a focus this year. In partnership with United
Technologies, Special Olympics Connecticut will be applying for certification with
the Council for Responsible Sport. We are asking everyone who attends the games to
be aware of all recycling efforts and to help us in this endeavor.
• Regional Games, Invitationals, Qualifiers, Time Trials – all dates were reviewed;
please check this e-newsletter under all Regional information for dates and
registration materials.
• Registrations for Summer Games are due to all regions by April 20. Housing is also
required at this time. There will be charges for any additional personnel.
Summer Games Registration Forms are now available on our website. Here is the link
for the registration forms: http://www.soct.org/local/forms.shtml .
• Coaches’ training schools are scheduled for Aquatics and Athletics – please contact
Regional offices for more information. Coaches requesting training in Tennis are asked to please contact Lyn Nevins, Tennis Competition Director.
• Insurance requests are to be sent in as soon as possible to Sarah Dickinson; as a
reminder to all coaches, please do not sign any contracts or agreements – only
Michael Mason, CFO/Sr. VP is authorized to sign.
• Soccer will take place at Hamden Hall Athletic Fields even with construction taking
place; limited shuttle buses will take teams to and from the venue. Please see the Eastern Region News section of this issue of the e-newsletter for details regarding
the upcoming Soccer Divisioning Tournaments.
• SCSU will host all other events:
o Friday, June 5: Developmental Aquatics will take place at Pelz Gymnasium
at 1:00 p.m.; 400 meter walk and 200 meter walk and 200 meter wheelchair
events will take place on the track on Friday beginning at Noon
o The 10K will not be offered
o Here are the Turbo Javs weights to be used at Summer Games events:
300g for all females and for males 8-15
400g for males 16+
o Gymnastics will be at Pelz on Sunday, June 7
o One of the larger residence halls is off-line so it may affect the numbers for housing
o Student Center will host team registration on Friday; movie on Friday afternoon and Saturday evening; Healthy Athletes on Saturday and Sunday. Registration issues, Class “A” issues, etc. will also be taken care of at the Student Center all weekend.
o Operations Center will be located in a trailer behind the Police Department
o Medical will be in the Granoff Student Health Center
o Entertainment stage will be moved to Olympic Town
o Victory Dance will be moved to the Neff Hall Parking Lot
o Opening Ceremonies on Friday, June 5 at 7:15 p.m. will feature the band, Avenue Groove
o Breakfast and Dinner will take place in the West Campus Parking Garage
• Summer Games Coaches Handbooks will be available on-line in an effort to reduce the cost of printing and postage
• Teams were reminded that NO DOGS are allowed at events unless they are therapy dogs – please no pets on either campus.
Development Department News
Special Olympics Connecticut Collecting Cell Phones and Accessories
Please look for the cell phone recycling boxes or self addressed postage paid envelopes at your local Special Olympics Connecticut office as well as at upcoming games and special events.
Special Olympics Connecticut has partnered with TWIGTEK, to recycle donated phones in the most environmentally friendly manner possible. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Connecticut.
Please consider dropping your old phones off after upgrading…
Auction Items Needed For 2009
Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) and our Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Program will be hosting the world in 2009 as the Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference comes to Connecticut. More than 1,000 law enforcement officers from around the world will descend upon the MGM Grand at Foxwoods November 11th-15th.
In an effort to offset our costs in hosting this once in a lifetime event, SOCT/LETR will
present a Live/Silent Auction for Conference Attendees. This is a huge opportunity to raise significant money. In 2007, Special Olympics Oklahoma raised $50,000 from this event.
Auction Items Are Needed. If you have a timeshare, vacation home, artwork, sports memorabilia, or similar items that would generate interest and you would like to donate to this event. Please contact Bob Garguilo at SOCT Headquarters at 203.230.1201 ext. 223.
3rd Annual Poker Susan Saint James Poker Tournament
Foxwoods Resort Casino and the World Poker Tour Room will be the site of the 3rd Annual Susan Saint James Celebrity Poker Tournament on Sunday, August 23rd. Buy-in is just $100 for $2,000 of chips. Re-buys are available along the way if need be. This is a fun tournament open to players of all levels.
Registration begins at Noon with the tournament kicking off at 1:00 p.m. The last two
tables will be re-located into one of the ballrooms at Foxwoods as they will be featured
during the post tournament cocktail/dinner reception – All for just $100!
Prizes include a trip to Puerto Rico, tickets to an NFL game, and an overnight stay with dinner for two at Foxwoods!!!
Limited to the first 100 players – send an email to Bob Garguilo at Special Olympics
Connecticut today to reserve your spot. That’s all it takes. The $100 payment is made the day of directly to Foxwoods. So e-mail Bob at robertg@soct.org today!
Click here for the tournament flier.
Dream Ride 2009 – Bigger and Better
Our good friends at Bozzuto’s/IGA are planning the largest Dream Ride event ever!
The Farmington Club will once again be the location of the largest motorcycle ride in
Connecticut on August 23rd.
This year we will be welcoming riders from Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, Maine,
Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Each state, through their Special Olympics Program, will organize at least one satellite start location with Farmington as the destination. Connecticut will once again organize 8 satellite start locations across the state. There is a minimum pledge of $30.00 per rider/$20.00 per passenger in order to participate.
All riders and passengers will be treated to a great meal, live music, tons of vendors and much more! Last years event raised $100,000 for Special Olympics Connecticut.
VOLUNTEERS for the day are needed to assist. If you would like to volunteer, please, contact Bob Garguilo by e-mail at robertg@soct.org . Thank you.
Diversity Fund Developed for Law Enforcement Torch Run Expansion
Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) and our Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) program unveiled a Diversity Fund plan to assist in future LETR expansion around the world.
In conjunction with the LETR International Conference, which will be held at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods November 11th-15th, SOCT has created a fund which will afford Special Olympics Programs in specific parts of the world the opportunity to engage their law enforcement personnel in fundraising.
The funds, which will be controlled by the International LETR Council, will be directed to programs that have identified law enforcement personnel within their country who have
expressed an interest in creating a Torch Run Program but don’t know where or how to begin. These funds will be used to send a representative from that country to the LETR
International Conference in November.
It has been documented that attendance at the International Conference leads to increased awareness, participation, and most importantly increased funding for Special Olympics.
The LETR Program is the single largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics worldwide raising more than 34 million dollars in 2008.
The Knights of Columbus were the first to step forward in support of this fund.
Northwest Regional News
Northwest Region Law Enforcement Torch Run News
Merchandise - Hats and T-shirts are in and ready to be distributed. Please start thinking about the quantities your department will need for upcoming events and fax or e-mail your request forms into Sharon, sharp@soct.org at least 2 weeks prior to your event.
Law Enforcement Torch Run Events in the Northwest Region
April 23 – 7 p.m.
Beacon Falls Police Department/SOCT Basketball Game, Woodland HS
April 24 – 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Avon Police Department - 99 Restaurant, Avon, CT
April 24 – 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Torrington Police Department – 99 Restaurant, Torrington, CT
Northwest Region Aquatic Qualifier
The 2009 Northwest Region Aquatic Qualifier will be held in Southbury on Sunday, May 3rd at Pomperaug High School. The Track & Field competition will be hosted at Danbury High School on May 9th.
The next Northwest Regional Game Planning Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 8th at 6:00 p.m. at the Kings Street United Church of Christ.
We wish to welcome Union Savings Bank, Gold Sponsor, of the 2009 Special Olympics Connecticut Northwest Regional Games.
2009 Karting Challenge
The 2009 Karting Challenge returns to Lime Rock Park for its 7th year, and will be held on Tuesday, May 19th and Wednesday, May 20th. Experience the thrills of endurance racing in karts that are professionally race prepared and capable of speeds of up to 50 mph! Your experience includes safety racing equipment, instruction, 4-hour race program, and gourmet lunch. The price is $325 per person and $1,300 for a team of four. Proceeds from this day of racing will be donated to Special Olympics Connecticut. For more information, please contact Sharon or Steve at 203.267.6566.
Northwest Penguin Plunges
All the back-ordered incentives have arrived and we are in the process of delivering/mailing the items owed. If you have not received your incentives by April 15th, please call Sharon at 203.267.6566 ext. 708.
2009 Northwest Basketball Invitational
The 2009 Northwest Basketball Invitational was held on Saturday, March 28th at Holy Cross High School, Chase Collegiate School, Tinker Grammar School, Chase Park House School, and Westside Middle School. Congratulations to the Coaches and Athletes, and sincere thanks to Venue Director, Ed Generali, and his Holy Cross Crusaders students. We would like to thank our Sponsor, Savings Bank of Danbury, for supporting us to run yet another successful event!
2009 Northwest Aquatics Invitational
On April 4th, at Watertown High School, the Northwest Region held its 10th Annual Aquatics Invitational. This year’s event was underwritten by a grant provided by the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation. Thank you to all the Volunteers who came out and to Sarah Kelly who played a part in the organizing and recruiting volunteers for her Senior Project! Thank you also to Aquatic Venue Director Extraordinaire, Cindy Stone and her posse. A good time was had by all!
Southwest Regional News
New Address for Southwest Regional Office
The Southwest Regional Office has moved to 101 Merritt Blvd, Suite 10, Trumbull, CT 06611. Our phone number will stay the same 203.380.9990 and the fax number is 203.380.9991.
Next Southwest Local Program Coordinator Meeting
Thank You Dinner and Regional Games Meeting
April 16, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
Fayerweather Yacht Club
51 Brewster Street, Black Rock Section in Bridgeport
RSVP by April 9, 2009
Southwest Regional Police Departments Honored
The Bridgeport Police Department was recently honored at a Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Luncheon for Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT), on March 4, 2009 at Foxwoods Resort. Captain Bob Gearing, pictured above second from the right, back row, red shirt, and his fellow officers received the Connecticut Police Chief Association Award (CPCA Award) for top fundraiser in municipalities statewide. The department raised over $46,000.
The Fairfield University Department of Public Safety Department was recently honored at a Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Luncheon for Special Olympics Connecticut on March 4, 2009 at Foxwoods Resort. They received the Top Fundraising Award for University and Colleges. Pictured are Director of Public Safety, Todd Pelazza, holding the award, to the right: Assistant Director, John Ritchie, Sergeant Rob Didato, and to the left: Tom Madera, LETR Council Member, Lisa Vane SOCT, and Officer Craig Ervin. The department raised over $22,000 holding a Jail n’ Bail fundraiser.
Shelton Tip-A-Cop
Police Officers from the Shelton Police Department returned to the Outback Steakhouse to serve dinner and collect tips to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut on March 24th. Through their efforts, over $1,400 was raised. Thank you to these officers for sharing their time and their smiles with Outback patrons and also to restaurant manager Dave Kreymborg and his staff whose enthusiasm for helping Special Olympics Connecticut was awesome.
New Aquatics Invitational on April 25th
In place of the Police Activity League (PAL) Event this year, the Southwest Region will be holding a brand new Aquatics Invitational at Fairfield University on April 25, 2009. Local Coordinators have already been made aware and Intent to Participate forms have been sent out to them. The event will be limited to 200 athletes/partners so please get your intents in by the due date! If it is not full through the Southwest Region, we will open the event up to the other 2 regions. Due to the depth of the shallow end of the pool, it will be unsafe for us to run Developmental Aquatics events at this invitational. Once again, this event will be invitational, for fun and will not be used as a qualifying event. We will have snacks available and will be giving out participation ribbons to all athletes.
2009 Southwest Regional Games
The dates for this year’s Southwest Regional Games are May 9th and May 16th.
On May 9th, we will hold Developmental Aquatics in the morning at Hillcrest Middle School and Gymnastics will take place at the Lakewood Trumbull YMCA in the afternoon.
On May 16th, we will be back at Trumbull High School and Hillcrest Middle School for
Athletics, Aquatics and Tennis competition.
To sponsor these events, please call Debbie Horne at 203.380.9990 ext. 604, or by e-mail debbieh@soct.org . To volunteer at these events, please call Jen Williams at 203.389.9990 ext. 603, or by e-mail jenniferw@soct.org .
Save the Dates!
2009 Bender Financial Golf Tournament
New Date: September 14, 2009
New Place: Darien Country Club
2009 Southwest Region Bowling Qualifier
Event Date: Sunday, November 1, 2009
Location: Circle Lanes in East Haven, CT
Westport Penguin Plunge at Compo Beach
Thank you to all of the 427 brave penguins, and the many volunteers, sponsors and spectators who came out to Compo Beach this year for the Annual Westport Penguin Plunge. The plunge took place at 11 a.m. Although the water was cold, the sun was shining and temperature milder than usual. At the end of the day over $105,000 was raised to support athletes in the Southwest Region. We are so grateful for the contributions and involvement of each and every individual who helped to make this event a success!
Bob’s Discount Furniture returned as the Gold sponsor. They not only offered generous financial support, but also donated all the delicious hot soups, beverages, and snacks for participants through their caterer, Emily’s Catering Group. Friends from 95.9 FM not only entered a team in the plunge, but also did an outstanding job making announcements and providing great music for the event. This year’s t-shirt sponsors included: USI, TARGETRAINING, Test Your Best, Gerard B. Tracy – Insurance Brokers, and Peerless Insurance. Thank you to Gail Feinstein who served as the volunteer chair for the event.
Special Olympics Connecticut Night with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers
“Special Olympics Connecticut Night with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers”, held on March 22nd, was an event inspired by Captain Robert Gearing and members of the Bridgeport Police Department and supported by area businesses.
For a 3rd consecutive year, members of the Bridgeport Police Department volunteered their time to raise awareness about Special Olympics Connecticut and conduct a fundraiser during a Bridgeport Sound Tigers home game. Prior to the event, they sought out donations from local businesses to support the endeavor. Companies that generously sponsored this effort included: Unilever, Bigelow Tea, Somerset Capital Group, Ltd., and PSEG Power Connecticut, LLC.
Additional sponsors included: People’s United Bank, Bridgeport Energy LLC, The Kuchma Corporation, PDC International Corporation, Exact Auto Warehouse, and the Port Jefferson Ferry.
Members of the “Stamford Big Dogs” speed skating team, who recently competed at Special Olympics Connecticut’s 2009 Winter Games, exhibited their skills on the ice in between periods, offering the crowd a wonderful treat in addition to the Sound Tigers’
victory!
The Sound Tigers very generously devoted part of the tickets sales proceeds to Special Olympics Connecticut and allowed our speed skaters to attend the game at no cost.
Eastern Regional News
Athletics Coaches Training School
An Athletics Coaches Training School was offered on April 5th. Please contact Rita Ford, by e-mail at ritaf@soct.org or by calling 860.887.1555 ext. 504, if anyone from your program is interested in participating.
Eastern Region - April Local Coordinators Meetings
Eastern Region Local Coordinator meetings will take place on April 14th and 15th. Snacks will be served at 6:15 p.m.
Tuesday, April 14th
BKM Building – East Hartford
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15th
Special Olympics Connecticut/Eastern Regional Office – Norwich
6:30 p.m.
Please make every effort to attend. Feel free to call the Eastern Region office at
860.887.1555 at any time with requests for reports about your delegation, athlete medical forms, partner forms, Class "A" status and protective behaviors.
Eastern Regional Games and Soccer Divisioning Tournament
May is competition month throughout Special Olympics Connecticut.
May 2
5-a-Side and 7-a-Side Soccer Divisioning Tournament @ UCONN
The divisioning tournament for 5- and 7-a-Side will be held at UCONN on the artificial
turf at the Sherman Sports Complex on May 2. Please note, soccer cleats are not allowed on this surface. Please wear sneakers or turf shoes for this event. Registration will start at 8:30 a.m. and competition will run from 9:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. The event is being sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the UCONN Office of Community Outreach.
For more information contact Marc Mercadante at marcm@soct.org .
May 9
Eastern Regional Games at Weaver High School and University of Hartford
Returning for the 6th year to the Hartford area, the University of Hartford will again
host the 2009 Eastern Regional Games. The Athletics competition will be held at Weaver High School while Opening Ceremonies, Aquatics and the 11-A-Side Soccer Divisioning Tournament will be held at the University of Hartford. Athlete registration at both venues will start at 8 a.m. For more information, please, contact Rita Ford by e-mail at ritaf@soct.org . Volunteers can register on-line at www.hartford.edu/soct .
Click here for event fact sheet.
May 16
Eastern Regional Athletics Competition at Stonington High School
Stonington High School will host our Eastern Region Athletics Competition for the 3rd year. Athlete registration will start 7:30 a.m. with competition running from 9a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information please contact Marc Mercadante by e-mail at marcm@soct.org . Click here for event fact sheet.
Dodging for Dollars
UCONN Students, Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) departments, and Special Olympics Connecticut staff participated in the 1st Annual “Dodging for Dollars” dodgeball tournament to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut, at the University of Connecticut, on Sunday, March 29th. More than 30 teams participated in the event including teams from Hartford Police Department, Windsor Locks Police Department, New Britain Police Department, LETR Executive Board, Special Olympics Connecticut sponsors and staff, and several Greek organizations from UCONN.
Special thanks to Matt’s Outback Paintball, Hair Trendz III, Storrs Drug, Willington Pizza for their generous support of the event. We would also like to thank Annie Haylon, Ryan Matthews, and Olafemi Hunter from the UCONN Office of Community Outreach for their incredible dedication in getting this first-year event off the ground.
Preliminary results indicate the event raised over $4,500!
CAS Unified® Sports School Program
Build It and They Will Come
The Middle School and High School Unified® Sports Basketball Tournaments finished up in March with 11 tournaments in 12 school days with 191 of the games were officiated by State Board Basketball Officials. This has been going on for 14 years with no pay, other than a token gift and a free sandwich. What they receive is hard to put into words, they each of them have their own reason(s) for coming back year after year.
These officials start with their game faces on at their first tournament and by the end of
the season their expressions are of sheer joy, acceptance, and enjoyment. The transition is a thrill to watch!
At this time we use four Boards for our tournament. The commissioners of the Boards who help us with assignments are: Board 6, Ed Lynch and Bill Cashman in the Central Connecticut District; Board 8, Jack Barclay in the Eastern Connecticut District; Board 9, Pete Carroll in the Fairfield County District; Board 10, and John “Buddy” Chernovety in the New Haven County District. Hats-off and kudos to them for making our tournaments a success!
The statement that I hear from the officials over and over is, “that it is a very rewarding
experience and a pure pleasure to work your Unified® Tournament”.
To the officials hats-off and thanks again!
The Unified Sports® Team
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
2009 Winter Games
Thank you to Board Chairman, Dave Cassano, who was the emcee at the skating venue and Board Program Chair, Nancy Dennin, who was the emcee at the floor hockey venue. Other Board Members who attended and participated were: Rick Allen, Lisa Kovlakas, Al Pollock, Nancy Scirocco, Bonnie Smith, and Bernie Zahren. It was a great event and everyone looks forward to having Board Members there to help and cheer on the athletes.
2009 Hall Of Fame
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2009 Hall of Fame banquet where we unveiled the incredible 40th anniversary video. What a great night and congratulations to our very own Board Member, Roger Burns who was the recipient of the Susan Saint James Award that evening.
Next Full Board Meeting
Please mark your calendars. The next full Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Special Olympics Connecticut State Office. Kelli will be sending out a reminder with agenda as we get closer to the date.
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