January 2010
2010
Important News
Upcoming Events
Sports Department News
Development Department News
Northwest Regional News
Southwest Regional News
Eastern Regional News
Connecticut Association of Schools Unified Sports® School Based Program
Advancement
2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
No New Year's resolution for 2010? How about Freezin' for a Reason? Take the plunge and support over 6,000 Special Olympics Connecticut Athletes. For more information on a Penguin Plunge near you click on the Penguin Plunge logo below.
Important News
David Gurwitz Concert at Darien High School
Special Olympics Connecticut is happy to announce a free concert on January 28th, at Darien High School, given by Composer/Pianist David Gurwitz. This concert is a follow-up to his wonderful show this past June.
You can see highlights from that June show in these three links:
Special Olympics Benefit Concert – June 11, 2009
Trailer - Never Give Up Hope (9:59):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej94M0zvEfU
Special Olympics Benefit Concert – June 11, 2009
The Race (5:15):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0iMBQp_GHM
CBS-TV New York Morning Show - June 15, 2009 (3:45):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZONgM663qc&feature=channel_page
David has become a great friend of Special Olympics Connecticut. Please check-out this YouTube link for a performance of his song Hear The Children. The performance is accompanied by photos of Special Olympics Connecticut athletes.
It has moved many people around the world:
Hear the Children - Dedicated to the Athletes of Special Olympics (5:32):
http://davidgurwitz.com/_page.php?uri=buy--healing
The January 28th concert will celebrate the athletes of Special Olympics Connecticut. David learned music from being an athlete, and will discuss this and other topics at the show, and will also bring some wonderful surprises.
You’re invited to enjoy what looks to be a fabulous evening! For questions about the concert, please e-mail Kate Careb at katec@soct.org.
P&G Promotion
For the past 30 years Special Olympics has had the privilege to work with P&G to raise revenue to support our athletes. This year’s BrandSAVER theme is “Give Courage” and features athletes with and without intellectual disabilities and participate in Project Unify.
In contrast to the past four years P&G will not be giving a straight donation of $500,000, instead we will receive 3-cents for each coupon received. Also new this year, there will be no cap on the amount P&G will donate, so the more coupons used, the more money for everyone.
Please use the link below:
http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/brandsaver-coupons.jsp
for more information about the promotion and where you can find your coupon.
Upcoming Events
2010
January 9
Alpine Coaches Training School
January 20
Local Accreditation Applications Due
Click here for the Local Accreditiation Application
January 22
Article deadline for the February issue of the e-newsletter
January 23
Floor Hockey Coaches Training School
Click here for the registration form.
January 23
Snowshoeing Coaches Training School
Click here for the registration form.
January 23
Cross Country Skiing Coaches Training School
Click here for the registration form.
January 28
David Gurwitz Concert at Darien High School
Please see the Important News and the Advancement sections of this issue of the
e-newsletter for more details.
February 3
All 2010 Winter Games Registration, including housing, due to Regional Offices
February 12
2010 Winter Games Scratch Deadline
February 27 & 28
2010 Winter Games
March 11
2010 Hall of Fame
March 27
2010 Summer Games Coaches Meeting
at CAS/CIAC Office, Cheshire (10 a.m.)
Click here for driving directions to meeting.
March 27
Local Coordinators Training
at CAS/CIAC Office, Cheshire (Noon)
Click here for driving directions to meeting.
June 11, 12, & 13
2010 Summer Games
June 23
2010 Fall Sports Festival Coaches Meeting
September 11 & 12
2010 Fall Sports Festival
September 22
2010 Holiday Sports Classic Coaches Meeting
November 20 & 21
2010 Holiday Sports Classic
December 5
2011 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
For more Special Olympics Connecticut competition and special events click here.
For a list of Penguin Plunges click here.
Sports Department News
2010 Winter Games Coaches Meeting
Thank you to the 61 coaches who attended the Sunday, December 6th meeting at the CAS/CIAC Office in Cheshire.
If you were unable to attend the registration forms for the 2010 Winter Games are now available on our website, www.soct.org , by clicking on the forms tab in the upper right hand corner of the main page of the website.
Here is the direct link to find the 2010 Winter Games registration forms:
http://www.soct.org/local/forms.shtml
Click here for the 2010 Winter Games Dates to Remember
2010 Winter Games
Plans are underway for the 2010 Winter Games to be held on February 27th and 28th. Alpine skiing and Snowboarding will take place at Ski Sundown; Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing will take place at CL&P in Simsbury; Figure Skating and Speed Skating will take place at the International Skating Center of Connecticut in Simsbury; and Floor Hockey will take place at the Pratt & Whitney Hangar in East Hartford.
Anyone who is interested in helping to set-up the Floor Hockey venue is welcome to assist us with this labor intensive project. We need strong individuals who know how to use power tools. Set-up will take place on Saturday, February 20th beginning at 8:00 a.m. Please contact Laurie-Jean if you are available to help.
Floor Hockey Coaches Training School
Individuals wishing to become a certified Special Olympics Connecticut Floor Hockey coach can register and participate in a coaches’ training school at the Gengras Center in West Hartford on January 23, 2010, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Click here for the Floor Hockey Coaches’ Training School registration form. Registration deadline for this training school is January 19th. Please contact: Rita in the Eastern Regional Office at 877.660.6667, with any questions.
Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Coaches Training Schools
A Snowshoe Coaches Training School and a Cross Country Ski Coaches Training School will be offered on January 23, 2010. Please contact Morgan Reinig in the Northwest Regional Office about these training schools.
Click here for the Snowshoe Coaches Training School registration form.
Click here for the Cross Country Ski Coaches Training School registration form.
Curling
In conjunction with the Nutmeg Curling Club, a curling training and competition program will take place at the Nutmeg Curling Club in Bridgeport, with practices on Saturday, January 9th, 16th, and 23rd and a competition on February 6th. Anyone who is interested in joining us is requested to contact Laurie-Jean by phone at 203.230.1201 ext. 235 or by e-mail at laurie-jean@soct.org.
2010 National Games
Unified® Volleyball and Unified® Basketball will begin practicing on January 10th at the University of New Haven’s Recreation Center in West Haven. Many individual sports are also starting some time during the month of January. Team Connecticut was recently introduced at a UConn Men’s Basketball game. Next month the entire team will be invited onto the floor of the Women’s February 20th game during half-time.
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. The Summer Games Coaches meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 27th at 10:00 a.m. at the CAS/CIAC in Cheshire.
Click here for driving directions to the CAS/CIAC Office.
Local Coordinators Training
Please mark your calendars for March 27th, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. for a Local Coordinators Training. This will be a refresher for many of our Local Coordinators as well as inciting any new individuals. The meeting will take place at CAS/CIAC Office in Cheshire directly after the 2010 Summer Games Coaches Meeting.
Click here for driving directions to the CAS/CIAC Office.
Development Department News
P&G Promotion
For the past 30 years Special Olympics has had the privilege to work with P&G to raise revenue to support our athletes. This year’s BrandSAVER theme is “Give Courage” and features athletes with and without intellectual disabilities and participate in Project Unify.
In contrast to the past four years P&G will not be giving a straight donation of $500,000, instead we will receive 3-cents for each coupon received. Also new this year, there will be no cap on the amount P&G will donate, so the more coupons used, the more money for everyone.
Please use the link below:
http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/brandsaver-coupons.jsp
for more information about the promotion and where you can find your coupon.
Northwest Regional News
Happy New Year!
The Northwest Region would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Coaches Training Schools
A Snowshoe Coaches Training School and a Cross Country Ski Coaches Training School will be offered on January 23, 2010. Please contact Morgan Reinig in the Northwest Regional Office about these training schools.
Click here for the Snowshoe Coaches Training School registration form.
Click here for the Cross Country Ski Coaches Training School registration form.
Floor Hockey Coaches Training School
Individuals wishing to become a certified Special Olympics Connecticut Floor Hockey coach can register and participate in a coaches’ training school at the Gengras Center in West Hartford on January 23, 2010, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Click here for the Floor Hockey Coaches’ Training School registration form. Registration deadline for this training school is January 19th. Please contact: Rita in the Eastern Regional Office at 877.660.6667, with any questions.
Northwest Region Development News
Waterbury Police Department held a very successful Tip-A-Cop on December 7th at Chili’s Restaurant, Waterbury and raised more than $1,200! The Naugatuck Police Department held a Tip-a-Cop on the same night at Jesse Camille’s, Naugatuck which
raised more than $750! Congratulations and thanks to both departments for their continued support and dedication to our organization!
On Saturday, December 12th both Beacon Falls Police Department officers and Naugatuck Police Department officers braved the below freezing temperatures and held a Tip-A-Cop at two Naugatuck Dunkin’ Donuts where more than $600 was raised.
Great job!
Northwest Region Penguin Plunges
The Penguin Plunge Season is here!
January 24th
Farmington at Winding Trails
January 30th
Highland Lake in Winsted,
February 6th
Lake Quassapaug in Middlebury
March 7th
Newly added plunge site!
Candlewood Lake Park in Danbury
You can register on-line at www.soct.org/plunges. If you aren’t brave enough to jump in, please consider making a pledge to someone who is! Corporate Sponsorships for each plunge are still available. For more information, please contact Sharon by phone at 860.484.9283 or by e-mail at sharp@soct.org. Volunteers are also needed at all locations; please call Morgan at 203.267.6566 ext. 703 or e-mail Morgan at morganr@soct.org.
Garner Corrections Fundraiser
Garner Corrrections announces their first fundraiser of 2010…Mind/Body/Soul. This event will be a combination, spinning, kickboxing, and yoga–thon. It will be held at Newfit Gym in Newtown on February 20th. The cost per class will be $25. Non-members are welcome to participate. Registration will begin on February 1st.
Bowl for the Gold
Thank you to all those who came out to the Bowl for the Gold on December 5th which raised $1,500!
Southwest Regional News
Southwest Region Law Enforcement Torch Run Events
Bridgeport Police brave the cold and hold three holiday Cop-on-Top events in December! Bridgeport Police Department, under the leadership of Captain Robert Gearing, held a record-breaking series of three Cop-on-Top events to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut in December, spreading holiday cheer and inspiring those passing by busy intersections in cars and on foot to take a moment out to remember and support Special Olympics Connecticut athletes.
Officers, donning Santa hats and carrying holiday stockings, were positioned high above the street on a lift and also hit the streets to collect coins and cash for Special Olympics Connecticut. The first December Cop-on-Top was held at the Merritt Canteen on December 8th. At the December 15th Cop-on-Top officers collected donations in front of Town Fair Tire. On December 22nd the officers held the fundraiser at Vazzy’s of Bridgeport. Through their extraordinary efforts and the generosity of the community, more than $20,000 was raised.
Officers who participated in addition to Captain Gearing included: Deputy Chief James Honis, Deputy Chief Adam Radzimirski, Officer Michael Falbo, Officer Ilidio Pereira, Officer Angelo Collazo, Officer Joseph Horesco, Officer Michele Rodriguez, Officer Martin Pizighelli, Sergeant Kenneth Kubel, Officer Ernie Garcia, Officer Pete Kemeza, Officer Richard Mercado, Officer Thomas Rowlands, Officer Manny Cotto, Officer Omar Jimenez, and Officer David Neary.
Southwest Region Penguin Plunges
East Haven Penguin Plunge
Special Olympics Connecticut held its annual East Haven Penguin Plunge on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the East Haven Town Beach. The rainy and cloudy skies couldn’t dampen the excitement and joy in the air as penguins braved the cold water and had fun as they supported Special Olympics Connecticut.
Fidelity Investments and Webster Bank stepped up to be Bronze Sponsors of the event again this year. Their loyalty to this event and generous support of Special Olympics Connecticut truly helps to make this event possible.
USI and Paniccia Construction Corporation also generously contributed to the event and were recognized as Tent Sponsors. This year’s T-shirt Sponsors included: Atlas Chiropractic and Tri-Lift, Inc. Peerless Insurance donated goodie bags.
Warm beverages and snacks were donated and provided by the Sandpiper Restaurant, the Coca-Cola Company, Starbucks, Hummel Brothers, IGA/Adam’s Supermarkets, Entenmann’s, and Crystal Rock.
There were some familiar, friendly faces at the event, including: Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and East Haven Mayor April Capone-Almon who greeted the crowd and joined in the plunge.
Athletes Alix Violano, Sean DelGrego, from the North Haven Local Program, and Beth Sklar, from the Chapel Haven Local Program, helped WPLR’s John Voket countdown to start of the plunge!
Thanks to Gail Feinstein of USI and Chuck Licata of the East Haven Fire Department for their roles in planning and preparing for this event. Thank you to all those who worked behind the scenes; to those who helped with registration; and to those who
dashed into the waves with great courage and enthusiasm!
Photos from the December 5, 2009 East Haven Penguin Plunge:
Westport Penguin Plunge
The 2010 Westport Penguin Plunge will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Compo Beach. All are encouraged to register now on-line by going to, 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.
Floor Hockey Coaches Training School
Individuals wishing to become a certified Special Olympics Connecticut Floor Hockey coach can register and participate in a coaches’ training school at the Gengras Center in West Hartford on January 23, 2010, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Click here for the Floor Hockey Coaches’ Training School registration form. Registration deadline for this training school is January 19th. Please contact: Rita in the Eastern Regional Office at 877.660.6667, with any questions.
Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Coaches Training Schools
A Snowshoe Coaches Training School and a Cross Country Ski Coaches Training School will be offered on January 23, 2010. Please contact Morgan Reinig in the Northwest Regional Office about these training schools.
Click here for the Snowshoe Coaches Training School registration form.
Click here for the Cross Country Ski Coaches Training School registration form.
Eastern Regional News
Hartford Wolf*Pack Ticket Vouchers – ON SALE NOW!
Looking for a fun family or group outing? Buy a ticket voucher, good for any 2009-2010 Hartford Wolf*Pack home game, including Special Olympics Connecticut Night on March 20, 2010, for only $10 each! Special Olympics Connecticut receives $5 back from each ticket sold. Great gift idea! Please e-mail Jackie at jackiet@soct.org if your Local Program or Law Enforcement Torch Run department is interested in selling tickets, as fundraiser. Click here for order form.
Eastern Region Penguin Plunges
Are you ready to take the Plunge for Special Olympics Connecticut? It’s Penguin Plunge season again. For fundraising tips click here and don’t forget to register on-line at www.soct.org/plunges to start online fundraising today!
Check out our Facebook application to help you reach your fundraising goals.
Eastern Region Penguin Plunge dates are as follows:
February 20
Crystal Lake, Middletown
February 28
Ocean Beach Park, New London
March 6
Crystal Lake, Ellington
Please contact the Eastern Region office at 860.887.1555 for Sponsorship Opportunities or click here for more information.
Floor Hockey Coaches Training School
Individuals wishing to become a certified Special Olympics Connecticut Floor Hockey coach can register and participate in a coaches’ training school at the Gengras Center in West Hartford on January 23, 2010, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Click here for the Floor Hockey Coaches’ Training School registration form. Registration deadline for this training school is January 19th. Please contact: Rita in the Eastern Regional Office at 877.660.6667, with any questions.
Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Coaches Training Schools
A Snowshoe Coaches Training School and a Cross Country Ski Coaches Training School will be offered on January 23, 2010. Please contact Morgan Reinig in the Northwest Regional Office about these training schools.
Click here for the Snowshoe Coaches Training School registration form.
Click here for the Cross Country Ski Coaches Training School registration form.
Connecticut Association of Schools Unified Sports® School Based Program
Unified Sports® Growing and Gaining National Attention
This past fall through elementary sports days, middle and high school soccer tournaments 1,300 athletes and partners demonstrated a high degree of sports proficiency on the fields and in the gymnasiums. With the support of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) Athletic Directors, Principals and Coaches, member schools hosted 2 elementary sport skill days and 9 middle school and high school soccer tournaments. Host schools included Jack Jackter Intermediate School, New Canaan Country Day School, Griswold Middle School, Cheshire, East Hartford, Amity Regional, Avon Old Farms School, Conard, Staples, and Bristol Central High School. At each event or tournament students had opportunities to enjoy both developing their skills and the competitions as well as while developing life-long friendships.
This year’s participation rate has increased 35% compared to the participation rate of the past two years. This is a tribute to the partnership of Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) and Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) and also to the dedicated Coaches who inspire our Athletes and Partners.
Another factor in this growth is our partnership in the Project Unify Grant which has helped us to provide seed money for new schools to start a Unified Sports team. This is the second year of the grant which is sponsored by the United States Department of Education. This grant has also helped us to enrich the Unified Sports Youth Leadership Summit which now reaches out to 200 students and advisors from over 40 schools. This year Unified Sports leaders and students from Rhode Island and Massachusetts will join us with the hope to replicate the valuable student led conference in their states. It is hoped that student participants will go back to their schools and encourage their peers to make their school one of acceptance.
Bob Deasy, Assistant Director, and Barbara Horn, Project Unify Coordinator, will also pilot a character education game with a focus on student leadership skills. Once these students are trained in the playing of this game, they will be asked to share their expertise with their Unified Sports colleagues and share their success with health teachers at their schools.
Another exciting initiative which has been awarded to CAS and SOCT is a national outreach survey research project to measure the impact Unified Sports has on athletes, partners, and the school community. This research project will be prepared by the University of Massachusetts and the results will be given to the United States Department of Education, the funding source for the Project Unify Grant. Participating in this project will give us strategies for improvement and the potential for additional grant funding to expand our programs.
Thank you to all of our Coaches, Athletic Directors and Principals. Through your support Unified Sports is alive and well in Connecticut! It is your extra effort that helps us to change attitudes and change lives.
Michael’s Cup Unified Sports® Banquet
Save the Date! May 10, 2010 for the Michael’s Cup Unified Sports Banquet to recognize the dedication of your school’s Coaches, Partners, and Athletes.
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.
David Gurwitz Concert at Darien High School
Special Olympics Connecticut is happy to announce a free concert on Janaury 28th at Darien High School, given by Composer/Pianist David Gurwitz. This concert is a follow-up to his wonderful show this past June.
You can see highlights from that June show in these three links:
Special Olympics Benefit Concert – June 11, 2009
Trailer - Never Give Up Hope (9:59):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej94M0zvEfU
Special Olympics Benefit Concert – June 11, 2009
The Race (5:15):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0iMBQp_GHM
CBS-TV New York Morning Show - June 15, 2009 (3:45):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZONgM663qc&feature=channel_page
David has become a great friend of Special Olympics Connecticut. Please check-out this YouTube link for a performance of his song Hear The Children. The performance is accompanied by photos of Special Olympics Connecticut athletes.
It has moved many people around the world:
Hear the Children - Dedicated to the Athletes of Special Olympics (5:32):
http://davidgurwitz.com/_page.php?uri=buy--healing
The January 28th concert will celebrate the athletes of Special Olympics Connecticut. David learned music from being an athlete, and will discuss this and other topics at the show, and will also bring some wonderful surprises.
You’re invited to enjoy what looks to be a fabulous evening! For questions about the concert, please e-mail Kate Careb at katec@soct.org.
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