SOCT - Special Olympics of Connecticut

June 2009

Feature Story
Important News
Upcoming Events
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Sports Department News
Development Department
Northwest Regional News
Southwest Regional News
Eastern Regional News
CAS Unified® Sports School Program
Advancement
Board of Directors

Feature Story

40th Anniversary State Summer Games a Success!
The e-newsletter has been recapping highlights in Special Olympics Connecticut history by giving you highlights of our days gone by and by testing your knowledge of our history. Many of you have lived through much of our history and have your own stories to tell. If you have some remembrances of the earlier days of Special Olympics Connecticut, we’d like to hear from you. Jot down your memories and mail them to Cathy Zaorski in the Hamden Office or send them by e-mail them to cathyz@soct.org.

Special Olympics Connecticut Fun Facts
Did You Know?
• Over the years the Summer Games has been hosted by: the U.S. Coast Guard Academy; Yale University; Fairfield University; Sacred Heart University; Albertus Magnus; Central Connecticut State College; our present home, Southern Connecticut State University; and various high schools around the state.
• Some of the past Games Directors have been Karl Rosenbaum, John King, Steve Kassoy, Gary Smith, Scott Chause, and Marty Derda. This year’s Games Director, Laurie-Jean Hannon coordinated her 9th Summer Games.
• Media coverage of Summer Games has always been a high point. The 20th Anniversary State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies was broadcast live on WTNH.

June Trivia Question
The 1st Connecticut State Summer Games took place on the campus of the University of Connecticut. Athletes participated in Track & Field or Aquatic Events. Approximately how many athletes participated in the first Summer Games?
500    800    1,125    1,500

If you think you know the answer, e-mail cathyz@soct.org. The first person with the correct answer will receive a prize. Good luck!

Important News

Upcoming Events

June 17                 Fall Sports Festival Coaches Meeting
                             at CAS/CIAC Office, Cheshire

August 23              Susan Saint James Poker Tournament

August 23              Dream Ride 2009

September            Fall Sports Festival - Bocce, Golf, Sailing, & Softball

September            Holiday Sports Classic Coaches Meeting
                              at CAS/CIAC Office, Cheshire

November 11-15    Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference

November              Holiday Sports Classic

December 6           2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
                              at CAS/CIAC Office, Cheshire

For a list of upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Events, please see the LETR section of this issue of the e-newsletter.

For more Special Olympics Connecticut competition and special events click here.

Law Enforcement Torch Run

Upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run Events
June 19th
Dinner & Entertainment
Elks Club, Waterbury
6:00 p.m.
Department of Pardons & Paroles
Karen Tomaszewski

June 19th
Tip-A-Cop
John J. Sullivans
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Ansonia Police Department
Officer Steve Martins

June 20th
Tip-A-Cop
Applebee’s
4:00 pm – 9:00 p.m.
Corrigan Radgowski
Capt. Terry Penn

June 25th
Tip-A-Cop
Ruby Tuesday’s, Waterford
Corrigan Radgowski
Capt. Terry Penn

June 27
Cop-on-Top
Corner of Post Road and Reef Road, Fairfield
Fairfield Police Department
Sgt. Jim Perez

July 15
Tip-A-Cop
Black Bear Saloon, South Norwalk
Lunch & Dinner
Norwalk Police Department
Sgt. Paul Vinett

July 27th
Tip-A-Cop
The Griswold Inn, Essex
5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Essex Police Department
Russ Gingras

July 27
Tip-A-Cop
Ash Creek Saloon
Lunch & Dinner
Norwalk Police Department
Sgt. Paul Vinett

July 30th
Tip-A-Cop
Crossroads Cantina, Waterbury
5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Waterbury Police Department

August 7th & 8th
Cop-on-Top
Marquee at Warner Theatre
Torrington Police Department
Sgt. Kerwin Anders

August 23rd
Dream Ride 2009

September 20th
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

2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run
Congratulations and thanks to all who participated in this year’s Torch Run! Over 3 days, 530 miles, law enforcement personnel and Special Olympics Connecticut athletes carried the Flame of Hope to Southern Connecticut State University, It was an awesome three days, culminating with an inspiring Final Leg into Moore Field house with athlete David Dennin and Lt. Governor Michael Fedele, our Honorary Chairman, lighting the cauldron! Thank you to all who made this such a wonderful event.

Special thanks to our Law Enforcement Torch Run Leg Coordinators:
Officer Ron Jenkins
Captain Terry Penn
Sergeant Don Crabtree
Lt. Jim Kanios
Rec. Supervisory Jeff Beiler
Officer Lisa Scannell
Detective Dave Marinelli
Sergeant Jim Gosselin
Detective Sandy Brooks
Eddie Rodriguez
Sergeant Tom Madera
Sec II Pam Neuendorf & Jeff Nielsen

And our support team . . .
Sgt. Luis Rosa
Captain Joe Carlone
Detective Sgt. Paul Zarnetske
Sergeant Kelly Walsh
Lt. Kelly Meeker
Derek Riddick

Dream Ride and Law Enforcement Torch Run team up for Cop-on-Tops
On May 29th and 30th, the Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Board, East Hartford Police Department, Coventry Police Department, Willimantic Police Department, TSI Ellington Harley Davidson, TSI Columbia Harley Davidson, and Cabela’s teamed up to raise over $8,000 for Special Olympics Connecticut athletes.

Statewide Department of Correction Dunkin’ Donuts Tip-A-Cops
On Friday, May 29th, the Department of Correction facilities hosted Tip-A-Cops across the state. Over $8,000 was raised for Special Olympics Connecticut. Congratulations to all facilities that participated: Bergin CI, York CI, New Haven CC, Corrigan Radgowski, Bridgeport CC, Webster, and, Maloney and Manson Youth in Cheshire.

Special thanks to: Captain Joe Carlone, Recreational Supervisor Jeff Beiler, and Secretary Pam Neuendorf for spearheading this event.

Motorcycle raffle tickets for sale
As part of Dream Ride 2009, the Hometown Wheels Foundation will be raffling off great
prizes. All proceeds from this raffle go to Special Olympics Connecticut and the Law
Enforcement Torch Run program.

Please help us to support Bozzuto’s in their efforts as they continue to support us in our efforts! Please contact your regional coordinator or Lisa Carlone at the Special Olympics Connecticut Hamden Office if you would like to get tickets to sell.

Sports Department News

2009 Summer Games
Heartfelt thanks and appreciation is sent to everyone who was involved with the 2009 Summer Games. This year’s events celebrated our 40th anniversary and proved just how much Special Olympics Connecticut means to so many people - athletes and volunteers and families alike. We hope you enjoyed the weekend and got to witness some of the outstanding competition of over 2,200 athletes as they continue to strive for their personal best at everything they do.

Tony Maher from Southbury Training School and Laurie-Jean Hannon at the 2009 Summer Games "Flower Power" Dance

Special Olympics Connecticut 2009 Summer Games Commendations & Recommendations Survey
In an effort to provide the best possible programming for our athletes and volunteers we woudl like you to please take a few minutes and complete this survey about your experiences at this year's Summer Games. Please complete the survey by June 30th. Here is the link to the survey.
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey.zgi?p=WEB2297WCG4D9M
Thank you for your feedback!

National Games 2010
Bowlers for the 2010 National Games were selected at the 2009 Eastern Regional Games at the University of Hartford. Congratulations to Jody Hobink of Westbrook from Seaside Saybrook, Jamaine Johnson of Windsor, Matt Scully of Tolland from Mansfield/Tolland, and Natalie Welch from West Hartford.

National Games 2010 golfers will be selected on June 22nd at a GE Golf Tournament.

Athletics, Aquatics, and Tennis athletes will be eligible to submit an application after
the 2009 Summer Games provided they have received a gold medal in at least one event of their particular sport. Click here for the National Games 2010 Athlete and Partner Application. All eligible athletes and partners are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by August 1st.

We encourage coaches to apply for Tennis. Click here for the National Games 2010 Coach Application.

Please contact Laurie-Jean at 203.230.1201 ext. 235 for more information.

Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament
Tournament dates are July 31 - August 3. Athletes will travel to Lincoln, Nebraska to be a part of this competition this year as a lead up event to the 2010 USA National Games. We expect to have athletes compete in skills, alternate shot play, 9-hole individual play, and 18-hole individual play.

Flag Football
A few issues ago we asked if anyone would be interested in participating in Flag Football, if it was offered as a sport. Thank you to those of you who responded. We are now looking at offering a clinic in October for any athletes and coaches who might like to be a part of this particular sport which is so popular in other states around the country. The event will be held on Sunday morning, October 4th. Please contact Laurie-Jean at laurie-jean@soct.org or 203.230.1201 ext.235 if you are interested in learning more about this event.

Special Olympics Cheerleading Team
Come join the fast growing sport of All Star Cheerleading, at East Coast Sports, 285 State Street, North Haven. East Coast Sports, home of the U.S.A. Wildcats Cheer Team and gym owner Joanne Nelson welcome this exciting program along with two new staff coaches, Jessie Lynch and Florence Chittenden.

Jessie is a life-time resident of North Haven, who graduated in May from Southern
Connecticut State University with a degree in Special Education. She is a former
cheerleader at North Haven High and was captain in her senior year.

Florence, a Guilford resident, has dedicated her career to coaching Special Olympics
gymnastics programs in the state, regional, national and international level.

Jerry Nelson, co-owner of East Coast Sports and Head Women’s Gymnastics Coach at Southern Connecticut State University, joined forces with Florence in 1995 as co-commissioners of gymnastics for the Special Olympics Worlds Gymnastics Championships right here in New Haven.

Please come for the introductory classes offered on June 8 & 15 from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. This will be the opportunity to meet our staff, do cheerleading, and to learn about our new Special Olympics Connecticut Cheerleading Team. No fee is required for these 2-days of fun. The official program will start on Mondays in July from 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. with a nominal fee.

If there are any other cheerleading programs in the state who might be interested in doing something similar, please have them contact Laurie-Jean. All Special Olympics Connecticut cheerleading competitions would be in conjunction with other official cheerleading competitions.

Eagle Scout Project
In an effort to help Special Olympics Connecticut go “green” we have an Eagle Scout
project designed by one of our athletes from Windsor. Matt Glad has come up with the idea to recycle many of the medals that he has won over the years. To help support going “green” in helping preserve the environment he would like to ask if there are any medals that athletes and partners have received in past competitions that they would like to recycle. If you are interested in supporting this effort, you can donate your medals back to Special Olympics Connecticut by giving your medals to your Local Coordinator so that they can then turn them in to Special Olympics Connecticut at one of their meetings. Medals will be refurbished with a cleaning and new ribbons attached before they are reused.

Development Department

Thank you to our 2009 Summer Games Sponsors
Title Sponsor:
United Technologies Corporation

Presenting Sponsors:
Foxwoods Resort Casino, Southern Connecticut State University, Sun Life Financial, ALSTOM, Team ESPN, TD Bank, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Knights of Columbus, and GEICO

Click here to learn more about TD Bank's 1 million dollar campaign to support Special Olympics.

Contributing Sponsors:
Mercer, Walter Camp Football Foundation, Eli’s on Whitney, and Lincoln Waste Management

Special Olympics Connecticut Collecting Cell Phones and Accessories
Please look for our self addressed postage paid envelopes at your local Special Olympics Connecticut offices as well as at upcoming games and special events.

Special Olympics Connecticut has partnered with TWIGTEK, where donated phones are recycled in the most environmentally friendly manner possible. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Connecticut.

Please consider sending your old phones in after upgrading…thank you.

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 11-15.

In an effort to off-set 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 one 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 them to this event, Please contact Bob Garguilo at the Special Olympics Connecticut Hamden Office at 203.230.1201 ext. 223.

Northeast Utilities/Foxwoods Golf/ Poker Tournaments
Foxwoods Resort Casino and the Grand Pequot Ballroom 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 relocated 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, overnight stay with dinner for two at Foxwoods!!!

Limited to the first 100 players – please send an e-mail 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!

AND for the Golfers…..Monday, August 24th at Foxwoods’ Lake of Isles will once again be thesite of our largest golf event of the year. The Northeast Utilities/Foxwoods Resort Golf event features both of the championship caliber courses at Lake of Isles.

Foursomes and sponsorship packages are still available for this annual sell-out event.

Dream Ride 2009 – Bigger and Better
Our good friends at Bozzuto’s/IGA are planning the largest Dream Ride event ever!
On Sunday, August 23rd, The Farmington Club will once again be the location of the largest motorcycle ride in Connecticut.

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. The satellite locations include: Ellington, Columbia, Bristol, Stratford, Groton, East Hartford, Danbury, and Guilford The minimum pledge to participate is $30.00 per rider and $20.00 per passenger.

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.

While Dream Ride 2009 is taking place, Dream Show 2009, a classic car show, welcomes all makes, models, and years to show. If you are interested in showing your car, or taking partin Dream Ride 2009, please visit www.hometownwheels.com for applications.

Volunteers are needed. If you would like to volunteer please contact Bob Garguilo by e-mail at robertg@soct.org . Thank you.

1st Annual Southern Connecticut State University Car Show
Click here for an event flier.

Northwest Regional News

Northwest Region Law Enforcement Torch Run events:
August 7 & 8
Cop-On-Top
Warner Theater
Torrington Police Department
Following your donation, stop in to watch The Wizard of Oz

2009 Northwest Regional Games
The 2009 Regional Games Track and Field Qualifier were held on May 9, 2009 at Danbury High School. We had an excellent day, after the rain subsided, of competition and entertainment. More than 340 athletes and more than 200 additional personnel from the delegations in the Northwest Region came to compete that day. Thank you to our Title Sponsor, General Electric, for all of their support and helping the track run smoothly. Thank you to sponsors: Union Savings Bank, Newtown Saving Bank, Bennett Sullivan Associates, and the Danbury News-Times. Thank you to the more than 500 volunteers, directed by Venue Co-Directors Don & Deb Conklin and their great committee, who helped make this one of the best Northwest Regional Games! Thank you also to King’s Street United Church of Christ for making Olympic Town something we all enjoyed!

Southwest Regional News

Special Olympics Connecticut 2009 Summer Games Commendations & Recommendations Survey
In an effort to provide the best possible programming for our athletes and volunteers we woudl like you to please take a few minutes and complete this survey about your experiences at this year's Summer Games. Please complete the survey by June 30th. Here is the link to the survey.
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey.zgi?p=WEB2297WCG4D9M
Thank you for your feedback!

2009 Southwest Regional Games
The 2009 Southwest Regional Games were a huge success again this year and could not have been done without the hard work of our volunteers, committee members, competition directors, Local Coordinators, and coaches. We had a growth of 14% this year in athletes and Unified® Partners, which is absolutely fantastic! All events ran smoothly, lunch was a hit, and although a bit cold, the bad weather held off and we were able to get through the day successfully. Thank you to everyone who pitched-in to make it such a great event.

Thank you to Regional Games Gold Sponsor: Affinion Group. A team of volunteers from Affinion, joined by members of the St. Joseph High School baseball team, assisted with staging at the track throughout the day. Silver sponsors included: Purdue Pharma, Xerox, and NYAC. Bronze sponsors included: The Frederick Deluca Foundation, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Trumbull, and the Daphne Seybolt Culpeper Foundation. Media sponsors included: 95.9 The Fox and News 12. Reporter Mark Repasky, from News 12, emceed opening ceremonies and Trumbull First Selectman, Ray Baldwin, declared the games open. Police and safety officers representing Trumbull, Monroe, Milford, State Police, and Southern Connecticut State University participated in opening ceremonies and presented medals and ribbons to athletes. Friends from AMR, Echo Hose Ambulance of Shelton and Trumbull EMT volunteered their time to offer medical support.

Welcome athletes, Nicole Latimer-Livingston, Bridgeport Local Program Coordinator, and Jen Williams, Program Coordinator - Southwest Region.

Congratulations to Scott Goldin, Volunteer of the Year for Southwest Region, at Hall of
Fame dinner. Also pictured: Lisa Vane, Southwest Regional Director and athlete Tim Mohr.

Battle of the Bands Fundraiser
On Saturday Night June 28th please join us for a Battle of the Bands at Toquet Hall Student Coffee House located at 58 Post Road East 2nd floor, Westport at 7:00 pm. Event organizers are Katie Vane and Emily Fiore. Five to six bands will be performing, one of the bands is featured on Itunes. For more information, please visit the website: www.toquethall.org. Tickets are $8.00/each, purchased at the door.

Police Activity….to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut!
Thank you to friends from the Bridgeport Correctional Center for rising early to hold a
Tip-A-Cop fundraiser at Dunkin’ Donuts on Main Street from 6:30 - 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 29th, as part of a Tip-A-Cop initiative by Correctional facilities who support Special Olympics Connecticut statewide. Thank you also to members of the Wilton Police Department for hosting their annual Tip-A-Cop event at the Outback Steakhouse on Wednesday, June 3rd. Thank you also to Shelton Police Chief Joel Hurliman for donating proceeds from a private party to Special Olympics Connecticut.

Fairfield Police are planning their first Cop-on-Top event, scheduled for Saturday, June
27th high atop the retail building at the intersection of the Post Road and Reef Road.
Officers are hoping to make this a community event with lots of great fun and surprises
with the goal of raising awareness about Special Olympics Connecticut and funds to benefit its athletes.

Norwalk Police will host not one, but two Tip-A-Cop events in July! The first, on Wednesday, July 15th, will be at the Black Bear Saloon located on Washington Street, Norwalk. The second, on Monday, July 27th, will be at the Ash Creek Saloon, Norwalk for their second year as assistant waitstaff. Officers will serve lunch and dinner at both of these events.

Save the Date!
2009 Bender Financial Golf Tournament
New Date:      September 14
New Place:     Darien Country Club, 300 Mansfield Avenue, Darien, CT
Cost is $400 per golfer. Lunch will be at Noon with a Shotgun Start at 1 p.m. Cocktail,
Buffet Reception, and Auction to follow at 6 p.m. For more information to golf or to be a sponsor, please contact Lisa Vane, by phone at 203.380.9990 ext. 601, or by e-mail at lisav@soct.org .

2009 Southwest Region Bowling Qualifier
Event Date:   Sunday, November 1
Location:      Circle Lanes in East Haven, CT

Eastern Regional News

Special Olympics Connecticut Night with Connecticut Defenders
Special Olympics Connecticut Night with the Connecticut Defenders at Dodd Stadium in Norwich is scheduled for Saturday, August 22nd! Special Olympics Connecticut athletes will take the field prior to the game for a 3-inning softball game, and 9 athletes will take the field alongside Connecticut Defenders players for the singing of the National Anthem. Special Olympics Connecticut athletes will also be invited to sing Take me Out To The Ballgame during the 7th Inning Stretch. Athletes will also be featured throughout the game in various promotional activities. Please, contact Jackie for more details.

Congratulations Athletes!
The entire Eastern Regional staff would like to congratulate all athletes for their success at Regional Games at the University of Hartford and Weaver High School on May 9th and Stonington High School on May 16th. Check out some photos below!

Thank you to our sponsors at the University of Hartford for their generous support of
Special Olympics Connecticut Eastern Region:
• St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center
• Hoffman Auto Group
• Lincoln Financial “Music For a Change” Concert Series
• Fiondella Family Trust at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

Congratulations to all soccer players who participated in the 3rd Annual UCONN Husky Soccer Classic at the University of Connecticut on May 2nd. Check out some photos below!

CAS Unified® Sports School Program

It’s a Wonderful Life
At our recent CAS Annual Meeting, It’s a Wonderful Life was shown highlighting what really counts in life. As I watched the images of children and young adults enjoying these simple pleasures, I couldn’t help but reflect on the many special opportunities our Unified® Sports athletes, partners, and staff have enjoyed this year. For example, during the fall soccer season an athlete in a wheelchair made a save in the goal for the first time in her life. In the winter an athlete who is legally blind scored a basket with the help of her Unified® Partner. At a recent Young Athlete Program culminating event a pre-school aged athlete carried the torch for his classmates to light the cauldron. These are just a few of the many life changing events that take place at our elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools throughout our state. Every time the whistle blows to start a Unified® Sports event wonderful things begin to occur.

The 6th Annual Michaels Cup Unified® Sports Banquet
At this year’s Michaels Cup Unified® Sports Banquet our middle school and high school students were honored for their essays. In each essay, the underlining theme was how their experience had helped them to change attitudes and change lives.

Matt Dinello, a student at the John F. Kennedy Middle School in Southington, earned top honors among his middle school colleagues with his description of making the choice between opening day of baseball or participating in his Unified® Sports team practice.

Marney Pollack, a junior from Farmington High School, highlighted her experiences these past three years as she read her essay. In addition to her dedication to Unified® Sports, Marney is an accomplished singer, theatrical performer, and scholar. Her most rewarding experience, however, is enriching and encouraging the lives of her Unified® Sports friends and the impact these athletes have had on her.

We also recognized Ann Malafronte for her 13 years of dedicated service as Director of the Unified® Sports Program. In honor and recognition of Ann and of her fine work, the Ann Malafronte Rookie School of the Year Award was established. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Southington High School!

The top middle schools recognized at this year’s Michaels Cup Banquet were:
Broadview Middle School, Danbury
Irving Robbins Middle School, Farmington
Henry James Middle School, Simsbury
Moran Middle School, Wallingford
Chippens Hill Middle School, Bristol

The top high schools recognized at this year’s Michaels Cup Banquet were:
Bristol Central High School, Bristol
Berlin High School, Berlin
Farmington High School, Farmington
Bacon Academy, Colchester
Branford High School, Branford

The Be a Fan Awards were awarded to Alexa Kovlakas, for recruiting the Orange Avenue Elementary School, and Lori Bauchiero, for her efforts in encouraging all of the Southington schools grades Pre-K through 12 to establish a Unified® Sports team. We also recognized Bob Nugent, owner of the Woodlawn Bowling Lanes for hosting, at no cost, the middle school and high school bowling tournaments for the past 5 years.

The Friends of Unified® Sports awards were presented to: Peter Baker, of Crystal Rock Water Company, for his generous donations over the years, Ruth Hewston was recognized for her support in our volleyball tournaments for the past 8 years, and Betty Remigino-Knapp for hosting high school basketball tournaments and elementary sports day for the past 10 years.

At the conclusion of this year’s banquet Kevin Nathan shared an emotional closing, as he stated that, the students, coaches, and families “get it”. “Through the sincere concern for others, lives are changed”. He went on to say that there is no better sport in the state of Connecticut, which brings out the best in all involved, than Unified® Sports.

On behalf of the Unified® Sports Staff, I extend to all members of our Unified® Sports
family a heartfelt thank you for another successful year and hope you enjoy a restful
summer vacation. See you in September!

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

Next Full Board Meeting
The next full Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4th at 7:00 p.m. at the Special Olympics Connecticut Hamden Office. Information and an agenda will be sent out prior to the meeting. Please RSVP to Kelli at kellib@soct.org or 203.230.1201 ext. 276 on if you will or will not be in attendance.

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