July 2009
Feature Story
Important News
Upcoming Events
Sports Department News
Development Department News
Northwest Regional News
Southwest Regional News
Eastern Regional News
Advancement
Board of Directors
Feature Story
Good Times and Happy Memories
In past e-newsletters we have asked for your memories of Special Olympics Connecticut as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary. Please continue to share your thoughts and it might be published in an upcoming e-newsletter.
This one comes from Linda McKane: I think the most impressive memory was when I went to the Summer Games when they were at Yale. My daughter was just about a year old and I went to cheer on my new found friends from Oxford. Having a baby with Downs Syndrome, I did not know what to expect, so with my older daughter, Kellie in tow we ventured out to check it out. What I found was a wonderful world of understanding and acceptance. We were showered with hugs, stuffed animals, and lots of encouragement. What a wonderful experience it was for all of us. We were hooked!!! Now, twenty three years later, I am very involved with our Oxford group - Kellie is a certified coach and works as a teacher with autistic children; Katie is an athlete; my youngest daughter, Sarah is a certified coach and also a unified partner, and my husband Dave does the Penguin Plunge every year. Special Olympics has changed our lives. Thank you Special Olympics for making a difference in our lives,
Linda
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 them. Please jot down your memories and mail them to Cathy Zaorski in the Special Olympics Connecticut Hamden Office or e-mail them to cathyz@soct.org.
Special Olympics Connecticut Fun Facts
Did You Know?
* Special Olympics Connecticut relies heavily on the support it gets from its many sponsors and volunteer organizations. This past summer you saw volunteers wearing t-shirts with a 32 on the back signifying their 32 years of volunteering at Summer Games.
* The first Tip-A-Cop took place in 1986. Windsor Police Lt. Joel Kent is credited with
creating this very popular event and an award in his name was created to honor the top
fundraising police department. The Branford Police Department has received this award the past couple of years.
* Since it began, in 2005, the Cop-on-Top events have raised over $45,000. Our friends in law enforcement are valuable supporters and their efforts are very much appreciated.
July Trivia Question
In the 1990’s a celebrity softball game took place at the Yale Baseball Field. Dubbed Love 91, Love 92, etc., the event brought together celebrities from Hollywood, the sporting world, and national news programs. These events were hosted by a nationally syndicated radio show host who did comical play-by-play on the field. Can you name this host?
If you think you know the answer, e-mail cathyz@soct.org. The first person with the correct answer will receive a prize pak. Good luck!
Last month’s trivia question was answered by George Hogan who correctly guessed 800 as the number of athletes who participated in the first Summer Games. Please keep George in your thoughts and prayers as he is currently stationed at Camp Bucca in Iraq. A Summer Games t-shirt is on its way to George and we hope to publish a photo of him wearing it over there in an upcoming issue of the e-newsletter. Thank you George for your service to your country!
Important News
Dream Ride 2009 – Time to Sign Up
Dream Ride 2009 will take place on Sunday, August 23, 2009 with satellite starts are in Bristol, Columbia, Danbury, East Hartford, Ellington, Guilford, Groton, and Stratford.
Registration starts at 9 a.m. at all locations with the rides beginning between 10 & 11 a.m., depending on location. The final destination for Dream Ride 2009 is The Farmington Club where all will be treated to a delicious lunch as well as live music. The Special Olympics athletes, taking part in Dream Ride 2009, will be inducted into the Dream Ride Club during the closing ceremonies. Motorcyclists interested in joining the ride should visit, www.hometownwheels.com , for an entry form.
Also this year will be Dream Show 2009, a display of classic cars, at The Farmington Club. Anyone interested in displaying their vehicle should visit, www.hometownwheels.com, for more information.
Many Thanks to David Gurwitz
Piano composer and friend of Special Olympics Connecticut, David Gurwitz, performed a tribute concert for the athletes, families, and volunteers of Special Olympics Connecticut on June 7th. David’s concert at Darien High School was awe inspiring and enjoyed by all who attended. To see David’s latest tribute video, The Race, please visit:
http://www.davidgurwitz.com/special-olympics.html
Please feel free to post a comment on his website and enjoy the music. All of the photos for The Race were taken at the 2009 Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games.
Special Olympics Volunteer Now Major League Baseball Player
Over the weekend, AJ Pollock was wondering how well his friends with Team RHAM were doing at the 2009 Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games. By Tuesday his thoughts turned to himself as the 2009 Major League Baseball draft was taking place. AJ was considered one of the top prospects in the country and it was just a matter of who would draft him rather than if he would be drafted.
Though he grew up a New York Mets fan, AJ was kind of hoping to get picked by the Boston Red Sox - he wasn’t around that long. The Arizona Diamondbacks took AJ with their first pick, 17th overall. His hard work, determination, and dream of becoming a Major League Baseball player was about to come true. One of the Diamondbacks’ farm teams is the Class A Silver Hawks, in South Bend, IN, where AJ has spent his last 3 years as a student at the University of Notre Dame. This could be where he gets his first experience with the minor leagues.
To demonstrate what a big deal this is, think about this, Mo Vaughn was drafted 23rd, Scott Burrell was 26th in their respective drafts. Obviously, AJ is quite a talented baseball player.
AJ Pollock is not only a world class athlete but a Special Olympics volunteer as well. He got his start at the request of his father, Allen Pollock, who asked his, then, junior
high school student son to help out at a Winter Games. “I got to pass out medals and that was pretty cool”, he said of his early experience. Over the years he kept coming back, not because of his dad but because of a friendship he had made.
“There was a guy at school who participated. He was the manager of our basketball team and he became part of the group we hung with. That got me even more involved,” he added. That Special Olympics Connecticut athlete was Tyler Cormier, a popular student and member of Team RHAM speed skating and softball teams. Tyler’s sudden death from pneumonia really drove home to AJ the importance to go for one’s dreams.
As a member of the RHAM high school baseball team, the Hebron, CT native spent 4 years as the team’s shortstop where he received MVP & State Player of the Year honors. He led his team to conference titles in his last 3 years. He has also volunteered at the Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games in 2003 – 2005 and Summer Games in 2004. While at the University of Notre Dame, AJ has joined other Division 1 athletes in raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics, including the annual campus-wide Buddy Walk.
AJ’s family has a history of involvement with Special Olympics Connecticut. His father
started volunteering in 1980 as a member of the volunteer team from Northeast Utilities. He got AJ’s sister, Rachel, to volunteer as well. Along with a colleague, Nick Foligno, Allen started a golf fundraiser which over the past 7 years has raised more than $300,000 for Special Olympics Connecticut. This past September, Allen joined the Special Olympics Connecticut Board of Directors and is excited about where this organization is headed. Allen is very proud of his son and the relationships he has built over the years with Special Olympics.
AJ is still waiting to hear where he’ll be assigned first and is excited to get started.
He’ll take with him his skills and talents learned from his years of training and he’ll
also have an athlete’s determination to do well, which he learned from his year of
involvement with Special Olympics Connecticut. We wish AJ the best of luck in his new career!
Upcoming Events
July 1
Fall Sports Festival Intent to Participate forms, Medicals, and Releases due
July 20
Fall Sports Festival Softball Registration Due
July 25
Cedar Point Yacht Club Sailing Invitational Regatta
August 10
Fall Sports Festival Registration for Bocce, Golf, and Sailing due
August 15
Softball Divisioning Tournament
August 23
Susan Saint James Poker Tournament
August 23
Dream Ride 2009
August 24
Northeast Utilities/Foxwoods Resort Golf event
August 25
Norwalk Yacht Club Sailing Invitational Regatta
September 12 & 13
Fall Sports Festival - Bocce, Golf, Sailing, & Softball
September 23
Holiday Sports Classic Coaches Meeting
at CAS/CIAC Office, Cheshire
November 11-15
Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference
November 21 & 22
Holiday Sports Classic
December 6
2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
at CAS/CIAC Office, Cheshire
A list of Fall Sports Festival "Dates to Remember" is available in the Sports Department section of this issue of the e-newsletter.
For more Special Olympics Connecticut competition and special events click here.
Sports Department News
2009 Fall Sports Festival
Plans are underway for the 2009 Fall Sports Festival which will take place throughout the weekend of September 12 and 13. This month there will be a Golf Skills Jamboree at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield and a Sailing Regatta at Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport. For more information on either of these events please contact Sara Pierson by phone at 203.230.1201 ext. 229 or by e-mail at sarap@soct.org.
2009 Fall Sports Festival Coaches Meeting
49 coaches attended the 2009 Fall Sports Festival Coaches Meeting on Wednesday, June 17 at the CAS/CIAC Office in Cheshire. 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 Fall Sports Festival forms: http://www.soct.org/local/forms.shtml
Click here for the 2009 Fall Sports Festival Dates to Remember.
Click here for a list of addresses for driving directions to Fall Sports Festival venues.
Click here for the link to Special Olympics' website for sport specific rules.
Coaches Training Schools
There will be a coaches training in both Softball and Bocce at the Bolton Senior Center at 10:00 a.m. on July 11th. Please e-mail Rita Ford at, ritaf@soct.org, if you have some coaches who would like to attend.
Click here for Softball Coaches Training School Registration Form.
Click here for Bocce Coaches Training School Registration Form.
Volunteer Softball Coach Needed
The Cheshire Special Olympics local program is looking to field a softball team. If you are interested in coaching please contact Linda Ruggiero at Linda.Ruggiero@jud.ct.gov or 203.272.7852.
2009 Danbury Softball Invitational
The 2009 Danbury Softball Invitational will be held at Rogers Park in Danbury on August 8th. Intents, for the invitational, are due on July 10th and registrations, for the invitational,are due on July 22nd. Please send the intents and registrations to the Northwest Regional Office. We look forward to having teams from, not only, Connecticut, but also, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Thank you to the Savings Bank of Danbury for their support.
National Games 2010
Last month golfers were selected for the 2010 National Games at the 2009 GE Golf Tournament at Great Meadows Golf Course. Congratulations to Melissa Bailey of Unionville, David Dennin of Trumbull, Debra Gozzo of West Hartford, Michael Hedrick of Trumbull, Shawn Reilly of Milford, Ken Richter of Newington, Wesley Williams of Mystic and Joel Kelleher of Cheshire!
National Games Applications are currently being accepted for Athletics, Aquatics, and Tennis. Anyone who received a gold medal in any of these sports during the 2009 Summer Games is eligible to apply. Applications for National Games are due by August 1st and they must be signed by a Local Coordinator. We are also still looking for a few coaches.
Click here for the National Games Athlete/Partner Application.
Click here for the National Games Coach Application.
Please contact Laurie-Jean at 203.230.1201 ext. 235 for more information.
Flag Football
A clinic will be held on October 4th for any athletes and coaches who might like to be a part of this particular sport. Please contact Laurie-Jean by e-mail at
laurie-jean@soct.org or by phone at 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 resident of Guilford, has dedicated her career to coaching Special Olympics gymnastics programs in the state, regional, national and international level.
The official program will start on Mondays in July from 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. with a
nominal fee. Please call 203.288.4343 for more information.
Eagle Scout Project
In an effort to help Special Olympics 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 News
A complimentary Trip to Puerto Rico, so what’s the catch?
All you have to do is secure a business that will offer Dream Ride icons for sale. Dream Ride icons are paper cutouts similar to our blue penguins and torch run icons which are sold throughout the year. If that business sells the most Dream Ride icons within the state – YOU will win an 8 day/7 night stay at the ESJ Towers, on the beach, in sunny Puerto Rico! For more information, please contact Bob Garguilo by phone at, 203.230.1201 ext. 223, or by e-mail at, robertg@soct.org .
It’s that simple, so why not ask your cleaners, bank, favorite restaurant, etc. if they
will participate?
Special Olympics Connecticut Collecting Cell Phones and Accessories
Please look for our 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, 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.
2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference
Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) and our Law Enforcement Torch Run 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 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 one event.
Auction Items Are Needed. If you have a timeshare, vacation home, artwork, sports
memorabilia, or similar items that you think would generate interest and you would like to donate them to this event, please contact Bob Garguilo at the Special Olympics Connecticut Hamden office by phone at, 203.230.1201 ext. 223, or by e-mail at, robertg@soct.org .
Northeast Utilities/Foxwoods Golf/ Poker Tournaments
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 pm. The last two tables will be relocated into one of the ballrooms at Foxwoods where 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!!!
The tournament is limited to the first 100 players. Please send an e-mail to Bob Garguilo at, robertg@soct.org , today to reserve your spot. That’s all it takes. The $100 payment is made the day of directly to Foxwoods.
AND for the Golfers…..Monday August 24th at Foxwoods’ Lake of Isles will once again be the site 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/or sponsorship packages are still available for this annual sell-out event. For more information please visit: http://www.nusoctgolf.com/
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
minimum pledge to participate is $30.00 per rider $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.
Volunteers are needed. If you would like to volunteer, please e-mail Bob Garguilo at
robertg@soct.org . Thank you.
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
Contributing Sponsors: Mercer, Walter Camp Football Foundation, Eli’s on Whitney, Lincoln Waste Management
Northwest Regional News
Volunteer Softball Coach Needed
The Cheshire Special Olympics program is looking to field a softball team. If you are
interested in coaching please contact Linda Ruggiero at Linda.Ruggiero@jud.ct.gov or
203.272.7852.
2009 Danbury Softball Invitational
The 2009 Danbury Softball Invitational will be held at Rogers Park in Danbury on August 8th. Intents, for the invitational, are due on July 10th and registrations, for the invitational,are due on July 22nd. Please send the intents and registrations to the Northwest Regional Office. We look forward to having teams from, not only, Connecticut, but also, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Thank you to the Savings Bank of Danbury for their support.
Save The Date
The 2nd Annual Athlete Block Dance will be held at Veterans’ Park in Watertown on August 29th. We would love to see as many people attend as possible dressed in their western attire. This event would not be possible without the support of Emerson Processing, the Lions Club of Watertown, Watertown Parks and Recreation, and the Watertown Area Association for Special Citizens.
Development News
The first LEDISO 1000 Karting Challenge was held on Monday, June 22 at On Track Karting in Wallingford. It was the first event of its kind for law enforcement. More than 17 departments from across the state were represented. The fastest lap was completed by Renee Gommpex. She outran the fastest officer’s time by 1 full second clocking in at just over 36 seconds! Awards will be presented to winners of various categories at an upcoming meeting. Thank you to On Track Karting for hosting the event and for all their hard work, dedication and commitment to Special Olympics Connecticut and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Our next event will be an Endurothon, being held on October 1st and 2nd at On Track Karting, Connecticut’s largest indoor Karting facility in Wallingford. Please visit their website at www.ontrackkarting.com . This event will feature your choice of a 400 lap endurance race or ironman endurance style racing. Participants can choose to be part of a team of 6. Each team may choose to enter either a 400 lap endurance race or a ½ hour Ironman style endurance race. Kart costs per team of 6 are $1,200 for the 400 lap endurance and $150 per person for the ½ hour endurance race. This event will sell out! Pre-registration begins today. A pre-registration deposit is required to hold your space. To pre-register, please call Sharon at 203.267.6566 ext. 708.
Northwest Region Law Enforcement Torch Run Events
Cop-On-Top
July 7th & 8th
Warner Theatre in Torrington
Hosted by Torrington Police Department
Tip-A-Cop
July 30th
Crossroads Cantina in Waterbury
5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Hosted by Waterbury Police Department
Southwest Regional News
Gathering of the Vibes – Music Festival
Special Olympics Connecticut Southwest Region will be helping out and raising awareness and understanding about Special Olympics Connecticut at this year’s “Gathering of the Vibes”, a music festival which will take place July 23 - 26 at Seaside Park in Bridgeport. For more information about this festival, please visit www.govibes.com. Organizers support Special Olympics Connecticut and help raise awareness about its programs on the “Gathering of the Vibes” website and at events.
Police Departments Go Above & Beyond Call of Duty
Patriotic Bridgeport Police Officers held a July 4th Cop-On-Top to benefit
Special Olympics Connecticut above the intersection of the Boston Avenue and North Avenue on Tuesday, June 30th from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. American flags waved and officers wearing Uncle Sam hats greeted drivers passing through the area, and asked them to make a donation to support Special Olympics Connecticut’s year-round programs. A police officer was hoisted up in a lift, above downtown streets and businesses, to heighten awareness about Special Olympics Connecticut and raise money for its year-round programs. Officers, on foot, collected donations at ground level. BMW of Bridgeport and Park City Ford are among area businesses that supported this effort.
We are happy to announce that two other Police Departments in the Southwest Region will hold their 1st ever Cop-On-Tops during July and August. Woodbridge Police will hold their Cop-On-Top on Saturday, July 11th at the intersection of Amity Road and Lucy Street. Fairfield Police will host their Cop-On-Top at the corner of Reef Road and the Post Road on Saturday, August 8th.
Wilton Police’s Annual Tip-a-Cop At The Outback Steakhouse
Wilton Police Officers hosted a Tip-A-Cop at Outback Steakhouse in the Gateway Shopping Center in Wilton, on Wednesday, June 3rd. The event was enjoyed by all who attended and it also raised $3,000.00 to support Special Olympics Connecticut’s year-round programs. In addition, it gave Wilton Special Olympics' athletes a chance to come together to celebrate a wonderful year of accomplishments with their families and police officer friends!
Norwalk Police Will Host Tip-A-Cop Events in July
Norwalk Police Officers will spend the day patrolling restaurant tables, keeping an eye outfor patrons who want to place orders, and serving entrees, when they host a Tip-A-Cop on Wednesday, July 15th at the Black Bear Saloon, located at 80 Washington Street, South Norwalk, during lunchtime and dinner hours. No reservations are required and the event is open to the public. For more information, please call the Special Olympics Connecticut Southwest Regional Office at 203.380.9990.
Then, these dedicated police officers will host their 2nd Annual Tip-A-Cop fundraiser for
Special Olympics Connecticut at Ash Creek Saloon on Monday, July 27th, also during lunch and dinner hours. Ash Creek Saloon is located at 2 Wilton Avenue, Norwalk. No reservations are required and the event is open to the public. For more information, please call the Special Olympics Connecticut Southwest Regional Office at 203.380.9990.
2009 Bender Financial Golf Tournament
New Date: September 14, 2009
New Place: Darien Country Club, 300 Mansfield Avenue, Darien, CT
Cost: $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 and/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.
Event sponsors, to date, are:
Presenting Sponsor: Northwestern Mutual Financial Network The Bender Financial Group
Silver Sponsor: The Fairfield Financial Group
Bronze Sponsor: Fairfield County Bank
2009 Southwest Region Bowling Qualifier
Event Date: Sunday, November 1, 2009
Location: Circle Lanes in East Haven, CT
Eastern Regional News
Eastern Region Welcomes New Staff Member
Please join us in welcoming Sarah Ford as our new Eastern Region Administrative Assistant! Sarah comes to us with a degree in Sports Management from Temple University and has worked with the Connecticut Sun and Stonington Community Center. She lives in Waterford, CT and was a recent volunteer at our Regional Games at Stonington High School.
Her contact information is as follows: Sarah Ford; Phone: 860. 887.1555 ext. 501; E-mail: SarahF@soct.org.
Coaches Training Schools
There will be a coaches training in both Softball and Bocce at the Bolton Senior Center at 10:00 a.m. on July 11th. Please e-mail Rita Ford at, ritaf@soct.org, if you have some coaches who would like to attend.
Click here for Softball Coaches Training School Registration Form.
Click here for Bocce Coaches Training School Registration Form.
Take Me Out to the Ballgames…
Monday July 20th – New Britain Rock Cats
Saturday, August 22nd – CT Defenders
Special Olympics Connecticut Night with New Britain Rock Cats
Save the Date! Bring the family out to the ball game on Monday, July 20th for Special Olympics Connecticut Night with the New Britain Rock Cats as they take on Red Sox affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs. General admission tickets are available for $5.00 each with $4.00 from every ticket sold going directly to Special Olympics Connecticut. What a deal! All athletes are asked to gather by the 3rd base dugout by 6:15 p.m. to take part in a special pre-game parade and torch ceremony! Special Olympics Connecticut athletes will throw out the first pitch and will also be recognized throughout the game.
If your delegation or Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) department is interested in
participating in this fundraiser, please contact Jackie Turro by e-mail at, JackieT@soct.org, or by phone at, 860.887.1555, as soon as possible. Click here for ticket request form. Remember that local programs receive 100% of any proceeds they earn and any LETR participants will be credited with 100% of earnings.
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 Defenders players for the singing of the National Anthem. Special Olympics Connecticut athletes will be invited to sing Take Me Out To The Ballgame during the 7th inning stretch and will also be featured throughout the game in various promotional activities. Please contact Jackie for more details.
Upcoming, Eastern Region, Law Enforcement Torch Run Events
Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Tip-A-Cop
July 9th
4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Applebee’s, 350 Long Hill Rd, Groton, CT
Waterford Police Department Tip-A-Cop
July 15th
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Filimena’s Utopia Centre, 262 Boston Post Rd, Waterford, CT
Essex Police Department Tip-A-Cop
July 27th
4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Griswold Inn, 36 Main St, Essex, CT
Law Enforcement Torch Run Copstacle Course
July 24th
Cabela’s, East Hartford, CT
Save the Dates!
Dodging for Dollars (Dodgeball Tournament)
Saturday, October 24, 2009 at University of Connecticut
Stay tuned for more information and registration materials!
2009 Eastern Regional Bowling Qualifiers
The dates and venues for the Eastern Region Bowling Qualifers have been confirmed. All 3 qualifiers will offer Traditional and Unified® competition.
October 25, 2009
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Holiday Bowl, Groton
October 31, 2009
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Friendly Bowl, Brooklyn
November 1, 2009
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
AMF Silver Lanes, East Hartford
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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