SOCT - Special Olympics of Connecticut

December 2009

Feature Story
Important News
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

Thank you for a great 40 years!
2009 was a great year for Special Olympics Connecticut. We celebrated our 40th anniversary with many wonderful milestones and exciting achievements! Across the state our athletes competed and reminded us all why we work so tirelessly for this amazing movement. Thanks to all of you for your unending dedication and commitment. To see a few of our great accomplishments this year look for the 2009 Annual Report which will be available on our website, www.soct.org , by February 1st.

Special Olympics Connecticut is where we are right now because of you! Whether you are a volunteer, donor, staff, partner, Board member, or athlete you have individually made a difference to Special Olympics Connecticut. Thank you!

Here's to the next 40…
Did you know?
• There will be 11 Penguin Plunges across the state to help raise funds for the 11,146 athletes and partners of Special Olympics Connecticut. Click here to take the plunge and support our movement.

• The Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference held at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in November welcomed Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics representatives from 16 countries in addition to all 50 states. It truly was a global movement that left attendees inspired, motivated, and educated! Connecticut's own Law Enforcement Torch Run representatives are ready to raise funds and awareness in 2010. Come out and support your local police department at one of the many events, Tip-A-Cop, Cop-On-Top, etc. Click here for more information about upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run events.

• In July, Special Olympics Connecticut will be sending 66 athletes, partners, coaches, and delegates to the Special Olympics National Games in Lincoln, Nebraska! Team Connecticut is in training and we wish them the best of luck. Click here to find
out more about the 2010 Special Olympics National Games.

December Trivia Question
This year we lost our founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. In her honor, thousands of Special Olympics Connecticut's constituents will continue diligently to carry on her vision. Below is a one of the many poignant quotes delivered by Mrs. Shriver:

"What you do here, your strivings and triumphs will say to all the people of all the nations, torn by ancient feuds… and violence and starvation… that there is another way.For you are the peacemakers. Competitive, but not envious. Determined, but not angry. Teachers of the profound truth that we can try to do our best without calling on what is worst in the human character. Each time you run and jump and lift or pass a
baton you will say to others everywhere 'come to our world where we are free… free to choose our friends… free to choose our sports.'"

Where and when did Mrs. Shriver deliver the message above?

Important News

Upcoming Events

2009
December 6
2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting at CAS/CIAC Office, Cheshire (10 a.m.)

December 11
Hall of Fame Nominations Due
Click here for Hall of Fame Nomination Forms

December 16
Holiday Sports Classic Zoomerang Survey Due
Click here for the 2009 Holiday Sports Classic Zoomerang Survey

2010
January 20, 2010
Local Accreditation Applications Due
Click here for the Local Accreditiation Application

February 27-28
2010 Winter Games

March 11
2010 Hall of Fame

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

Sports Department News

Special Olympics Connecticut 2009 Holiday Sports Classic Commendations and Recommendations Survey
In an effort to provide the best possible programming for our athletes and vounteers we would like you to please take a few minutes and complete this survey about your experiences at the 2009 Holiday Sports Classic.

Please complete your survey by December 16th.

Please use the following link for the zoomerang survey. http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB229UMDGR7M8

2009 Holiday Sports Classic
This year’s event was more than just another competition for many of our Powerlifting athletes. We had a number of individuals reach some new personal best lifts!

Here are just a few:
• James DePaola (Team Connecticut member for the 2010 National Games)
Personal Best Bench Press of 135 lbs.
Personal Best Deadlift of 300 lbs.

• Mike Canty (Team Connecticut member for the 2010 National Games)
Personal Best Deadlift of 300 lbs.

• Jesse Bickford
Personal Best Bench Press of 160 lbs.

• Travis Stolle
Personal Best Bench Press of 230 lbs.

• JR Escobar
Personal Best Bench Press of 210 lbs.
Personal Best Deadlift of 475 lbs.

All of our athletes who competed in Bowling, Powerlifting, Unified® Volleyball, Volleyball Skills and Unified® Basketball were all on top of their game and once again showed all of us the courage and accomplishment that comes with competition.
Congratulations to all of our athletes and warm heartfelt thanks to all of our sponsors and volunteers who worked with us all weekend on the event.

2010 Winter Games and 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
Mark your calendars for the 2010 Winter Games, February 27th and 28th.

The 2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the CAS/CIAC Office in Cheshire. Driving directions to the CAS/CIAC Office are listed below.

Please remind your Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Snowshoeing, and Floor Hockey coaches of this meeting. It is strongly suggested that at least one coach from each team attend this meeting.

At this meeting, we will be reviewing sports rules for Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Snowshoeing, and Floor Hockey as well as discussing details of the 2010 Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games.

Please call Sarah Dickinson at 203.230.1201 ext 272 if you have any questions.

Driving Directions to:
CAS/CIAC Office, 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT 06410

Please note that directions are informational only. We make no warranties on the accuracy of their content, road conditions, or route availablity or expeditiousness.

From Danbury and Points West
Take I-84 East to Exit 27 (Route I-691)
Take Exit 3 (Route 10) off Route I-691
At end of ramp, turn right onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes – dark green building) at blinking light.

From Hartford and Points East
Take I-84 West to Exit 27 (Route I-691)
Take Exit 3 (Route 10) off Route I-691
At the end of ramp, turn right onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles, turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes) at blinking light.

From I-91 North or South
Take I-691 in Meriden west to Exit 3 (Route 10)
At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Route 10 South. After approximately 1 ½ miles, turn left onto Realty Drive (opposite T-Bowl Lanes) at blinking light.

Alpine Coaches Training Schools
We are planning Alpine Coaches Training Schools at Mohawk Mountain on Saturday, December 19, 2009 and Saturday, January 9, 2010. These can be one-day refresher courses or if there is enough interest in coming both days we can set up to certify Level 2 of Level 3 coaches. Please contact Sarah Dickinson, by phone at 203.230.1201 ext. 272 or by e-mail at sarahd@soct.org, if you and/or your coaches are interested in attending. There will be a registration fee to cover the cost of the lift tickets.

Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference
Eight of our long distance runners participated in the 3K run of the International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference at Foxwoods on Nov. 14. Although it was raining they were undaunted in their efforts and kept the pace for all of the police officers that morning.

Pictured below is the start of the race and a photo taken just before they went off.

The athlete on the far left is from Special Olympics Australia. The others are Michael Meagher, Matt Klemetts, Kyle Wadlinger, Mitch Vecchione, Laurie-Jean Hannon, Jennifer Eng, Connecticut State Police Sergeant Luis Rosa, Sean Wadlinger, and Michael Wadlinger.

Curling
A team of athletes from Waterbury and surrounding towns participated in a Curling demonstration and are now on their way to building teams for competition. A great afternoon was had by all thanks to the members of the Nutmeg Curling Club. Anyone
who is interested in getting involved with this sport is encouraged to contact Laurie-Jean Hannon.

2010 National Games
The 2010 USA National Games are less than 250 days away. Team Connecticut was officially announced last month and all athletes will begin training with their coaches after the first of the year.

Congratulations to one of our coaches, Jean Stack who recently got married. Jean was presented with her most up-to-date Certified Coach Credential at her wedding by a fellow coach from the Special Olympics Waterbury team.

2010 Summer Games
Mark your calendars for the 2010 Summer Games, June 11, 12 & 13. Games will take place at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven.

Development Department News

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. Thank you.

2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference
After nearly 3 years in the making the 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference was held at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods November 11-15. More than 1,000 law enforcement officers and Special Olympics staff from around the world attended this week of education, motivation, and inspiration. The Law Enforcement Torch Run program in 2009 raised an amazing 34+ million dollars for Special Olympics athletes worldwide. In addition to the 50 US States and many of the Canadian Provinces, the 2009 conference attracted officers from El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Cayman Islands, Ireland, Australia, Poland, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, and Turkey.

Special Olympics Connecticut’s Global Messengers, Brian Drexler, Bethany Stopa,
Ali Smith, and Jeff DePina served as emcees and wowed the attendees with their humor and ad libs.

We received tremendous support from the following sponsors: Bozzuto’s/IGA/Dream Ride/Adams Hometown Markets, Knights of Columbus, Foxwoods and many of its vendors, GE, Whelen Engineering, UTC Power and Anthem Blue Cross Blue
Shield just to name a few. ESPN provided much needed video resources, Kenny Mayne served as emcee for Saturday evenings Hall of Fame banquet and Senior VP Rosa Gatti provided valuable insight to attendees at our Corporate Partnership
session.

At the time we placed the bid to host this conference our goal was to wow the world.

First and foremost we needed to accomplish three things:
1. Increase awareness in the law enforcement community in our state and get non participating departments to join the Law Enforcement Torch Run family and to raise funds for our athletes.

2. Increase funding through sponsorships and conference related fundraising events.

3. Host the most successful Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference to date.

Led by our Executive Director, Beau Doherty, our Law Enforcement Torch Run State Director, Sgt. Luis Rosa, and a team of highly qualified and dedicated staff and volunteers from Special Olympics Connecticut, law enforcement, and the Department
of Corrections – Connecticut succeeded in accomplishing the established goals!

Kudos were received both from attendees who have attended past conferences and also from those who attended for the very first time. Major Mike Teem from the Raleigh North Carolina Police Department and the Chairman of the International Torch Run Executive Council stated that this was the best conference in his 19 years of Torch Run involvement. Lt. Mike Peretti of the Livermore California Police Department and Chairman of the International Conference Planning Committee said we wowed everyone and have set new standards for future conferences to come.

Congratulations and thank you to all involved for a job well done!

Northwest Regional News

Southwest Regional News

Special Olympics Connecticut 2009 Holiday Sports Classic Commendations and Recommendations Survey
In an effort to provide the best possible programming for our athletes and vounteers we would like you to please take a few minutes and complete this survey about your experiences at the 2009 Holiday Sports Classic. Please complete your survey by December 16th.

Please use the following link for the zoomerang survey. http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB229UMDGR7M8

Southwest Region Tip-A-Cops

Monroe officers and the Staff of Roberto’s Restaurant celebrate a successful fundraiser for Special Olympics.

Officers from the Bridgeport Correctional Center pose for a group photo with staff from the Ash Creek Saloon on Bridgeport to commemorate their first Tip-A-Cop at the restaurant.

Thanks to members of the Milford Police Department who hosted a Tip-A-Cop at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar on November 19th. A highlight of the event was when members of the Foran and Law High School football and powder puff teams faced-off in
a hot wing eating contest! After two rounds, the Lawmen were victorious. They ate a total of 74 hot wings!

Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference
Thanks to law enforcement officers from the Southwest Region who attended the recent Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference at MGM Grand at Foxwoods. The conference provided opportunities for officers from around the world, who are dedicated to supporting Special Olympics, to network with their peers and to share best practices, ideas, and experiences.

Thank you to those who worked so hard and dedicated so many hours to being on the planning committee and working at the conference including Pam Neuendorf from Bridgeport Correctional Center and Todd Pelazza from Fairfield University’s Department of Public Safety. Officers from the region who attended the conference include: Craig Ervin and Sgt. Rob Didato from Fairfield University’s Department of Public Safety; Captain Robert Gearing from the Bridgeport Police Department; Officer Kevin Sherman and Sgt. Rob Kozlowsky from the Shelton Police Department; Officer Jeff Nielsen from the Milford Police Department; and Sgt. Pete Howard from the Monroe Police Department. Thanks also to Warden Walter Ford from the Bridgeport Correctional Center, Chief Joel Hurliman from the Shelton Police Department and Deputy Chief James Honis from the Bridgeport Police Department for attending the conference banquet.

Sacred Heart University Department of Public Safety Jail ‘n Bail

The 1st Annual Sacred Heart University Jail ‘n Bail event benefiting Special Olympics Connecticut took place on November 5th, and was presented by John Kichinko and the University’s Public Safety Officers; Bridgeport, Fairfield and Trumbull Police; Bridgeport Corrections officers and friends from Fairfield University and Southern Connecticut State University.

At the end of the day, more than $12,000 was raised for Special Olympics Connecticut athletes! University students, faculty, and administrators embraced the Jail ‘n Bail event and the opportunity to help Special Olympics Connecticut. Athletes who attended were thrilled to be included in the day’s activities.

Volunteer judges and special guests at the event included Police Chief Thomas Kiely of Trumbull, Chief David Peck of Fairfield, Chief Joseph Gaudett of Bridgeport, Lt.Governor Mike Fedele, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Todd Pelazza from Fairfield University, and Warden Walter Ford from the Bridgeport Correctional Center.

Thank you to committee members Bing Benson, Ed Crespo, Cynthia Conte, Lisa Gallagher, Sal Siconolfi, Pam Neuendorf, Cpt. Robert Gearing, Sgt. Rob Didato, Craig Ervin, Officer Jay Valle, Officer Brian Weir, Joe DeVoe, and Max Lowy.

Southwest Region Penguin Plunges
East Haven Penguin Plunge
Special Olympics Connecticut will present its annual East Haven Penguin Plunge on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at East Haven Town Beach. Check-in will begin at 11 a.m. and the plunge will take place at 1 p.m. Participants can register and set
up their own personal webpage at www.soct.org/plunges , or request a registration packet by calling 203.380.9990 ext. 604 or by e-mailing debbieh@soct.org, or check out the event on Special Olympics Connecticut’s FACEBOOK page.

Athletic teams, civic organizations, families, students, and teams representing local businesses are invited to take the plunge and dash into Long Island Sound in the company of friends for a good cause. In addition to the excitement and fun of the
plunge, there will be great food, including clam chowder donated by the Sandpiper Restaurant, baked goods by Entenmann’s, and hot dogs from Hummel’s. Music and announcements will be provided by John Voket and WPLR. Spectators are welcome!

Early registration allows participants to raise understanding and awareness about Special Olympics Connecticut, and earn incentive prizes, including a bowtie which signifies the amount raised, and a commemorative t-shirt. Participants are asked to
raise a minimum of $50 in order to plunge. Awards will be given to the top fundraising individual, team, and school, as well as to the participant with the best costume.

Fidelity Investments and Webster Bank are bronze sponsors for the event. USI Connecticut and Paniccia Construction Corp. are tent sponsors. Atlas Chiropractic,
Tri-Lift Corporation and Peerless Insurance are also supporting the event.

Westport Penguin Plunge
The 2010 Westport Penguin Plunge will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Compo Beach. On-line registration is now available by clicking on the following link, www.soct.org/plunges . To find out about sponsorship opportunities, please call the
Special Olympics Connecticut Southwest Regional Office at, 203.380.9990. Day of registration and check-in will begin at 12:30 p.m. and participants will plunge at 2:30 p.m. Friends from 95.9 The Fox will provide music and announcements!

Eastern Regional News

CAS Unified® Sports School Program

It’s Not Just Love
By: Bob Deasy Assistant Director, Unified® Sports

The morning after I started to write an article for our Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) newsletter I read Susan Campbell’s column in the Hartford Courant titled, It’s For them The Bells Toll.

In this particular column Campbell writes about Ms. Kelleher, a mom who adopted three boys with special needs. Ms. Kelleher says, ““It’s not just love,” she tells prospective foster and adoptive parents. It’s love, and it’s commitment, and it’s patience, and it’s an ability to see that there is light even on dark days.” And, she adds, “it’s probably the most satisfying thing I’ve ever done in my life.””

I was reminded of the article again while preparing for a Unified® Soccer Tournament held at the Avon Old Farms School on October 20th. I read a letter from a Unified® Sports coach. She went out of the way to raise additional funds to rent a lift van
for one of her student athletes. The coach said, “I wish you could have seen Raphael’s face when I told him he could come! It’s not just love.

At the same tournament, an assistant coach told me that she and her team were so overwhelmed with the beautiful facilities at Avon Old Farms and the great Avon Old Farms student volunteers. “They were so polite and offered to help in any way
possible. It’s not just love.

A parent came up to me at the same tournament and thanked us for allowing her son to participate. She thanked us for our caring and our willingness to help her son. It’s not just love.

There are so many more stories to tell. But rather than take my word for it, come out and experience it for yourself. Please visit the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) website, www.casciac.org , and check out our Unified® Sports Tournament Schedule. Pick out a tournament to attend. Witness first hand what your CAS/Special Olympics Connecticut Unified® Sports staff experience every day.

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

Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference
Thank you to Board Chairman Dave Cassano and Board Member Judy Bell for helping to host at the Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference that was held at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. Thank you also to Board Human Resource Committee Chair Bonnie Smith for her participation at the conference. Thank you also to Board Member Mike Leahy for setting up a trip to Mystic Seaport and lunch at his house for 15 different CEOs from other states. It was also great to see Honorary Board Member Bruce Kirchner and Tribal Elder of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Thanks to his pioneering efforts we have a relationship we have with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. The event was a huge success!

2011 World Games
Thank you to Board Member Lisa Kovlakas who was instrumental in setting up a meeting with Reverend Peter Orfanakos of Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church to discuss possible funding to send an athlete to the 2011 World Games in Greece. Thank you also to Board Member Gary Dornbush for setting up a meeting with members of the Farmington Club to discuss potential funding for another athlete to attend.

Next Full Board Meeting
The next full Board Meeting will be the Annual Meeting/Dinner on Tuesday, January 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the CAS/CIAC Office in Cheshire. More information will be sent out soon. This meeting is to look at the achievements of 2009 and the goals for 2010. I hope to see you there as a thank you for your dedication to Special Olympics Connecticut.

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