February 2010
Feature Story
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
Board of Directors
Feature Story
It’s that time of year again…
Special Olympics Connecticut is thrilled to announce the 2010 Winter Games! We invite you to join us in supporting more than 800 athletes and partners, 1,200 volunteers, and 250 coaches as they get ready to compete. The games run from Saturday, February 27th to Sunday, February 28th. Athletes will be competing in a variety of sports, including: alpine skiing, snowboarding, floor hockey, figure skating, speed skating, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. For more information about the Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games please call, 203.230.1201 or visit www.soct.org. Good luck to everyone!
Thank you to our 2010 Winter Games sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
OTIS
Pratt & Whitney
Contributing Sponsor
Team ESPN
Important News
2010 Hall of Fame
Mark your calendars – The 2010 Hall of Fame is being held on Thursday, March 11th at the Aqua Turf Country Club in Plantsville. This year’s theme is The Legacy Lives On and is where we recognize athletes, volunteers, and sponsors for their many years of dedication to Special Olympics Connecticut. You won’t want to miss this spectacular event.
Invitations – Invitations will be mailed out by the 2nd week in February. If you do not receive one and would like to attend, please contact Kelli Bigelow at kellib@soct.org or 203.230.1201 ext. 276. The deadline to respond will be March 1, 2010. Please come and join us to give recognition to the people who are changing attitudes…changing lives.
Upcoming Events
2010
February 3
All 2010 Winter Games Registration, including housing, due to Regional Offices
February 12
2010 Winter Games Scratch Deadline
February 19
Deadline for articles for the March 2010 issue of this e-newsletter
February 27 & 28
2010 Winter Games
March 11
2010 Hall of Fame
March 13
Windham Invitational Swim Meet
Windham High School
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
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 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. Venue set-up for Floor Hockey will take place on Saturday, February 20th beginning at 8:00 a.m. Please contact Laurie-Jean if you are available to help. If you can, please, bring a portable drill, as this will be helpful in getting the task completed.
2010 Winter Games - Family Housing
Here is the contact information for family housing at the 2010 Winter Games:
Centennial Inn Suites
5 Spring Lane, Farmington, CT
Phone: 860.677.4647
$155/tax per night
Cut-off date: February 13, 2010
Group code: Special Olympics
Curling
The Nutmeg Curling Club has been offering some of our athletes training time. They will have a competition, or Bonspiel as it is officially called, on February 17th from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
2010 National Games
All sports have begun practicing for the 2010 National Games. On February 20th, Team Connecticut will be introduced during half-time at the UConn Women’s Basketball Game.
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.
2010 Summer Games Coaches Meeting
The Summer Games Coaches meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 27th at 10:00 at Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) Office in Cheshire.
Click here for driving directions to the CAS Office.
Local Coordinators Training
Please mark your calendars for March 27th, Noon - 5:00 p.m. for a Local Coordinators Training. This will be a refresher for many of our Local Coordinators as well as a valuable and insightful training for any new individuals. The training will take place at Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) Office directly after the Summer Games Coaches Meeting. More information including the agenda and registration information will be sent directly to all Local Programs.
Click here for driving directions to the CAS Office.
2011 World Games
The 2011 Special Olympics Summer World Games will take place in Athens, Greece. Applications, for those interested in applying for a coaching position with Team Connecticut, are included in this e-newsletter. All applicants must be certified in the sport they are applying for. All applications must be signed off by Beau Doherty, President of Special Olympics Connecticut and Laurie-Jean Hannon, Vice President of Games & Sports Development of Special Olympics Connecticut.
Click here for the Coach Job Description.
Click here for the Head Coach Job Description.
Click here for the Application.
National Unified Volleyball® Championships
If any Unified Volleyball team is interested in competing in the National Championships, to be held in Phoenix, AZ, during the USA Volleyball (USAV) Adult Open please contact Laurie-Jean. The USAV has kept the registration fee to $350/team, with the Unified event being held the first weekend of the National Championships, May 29th – 30th, which is also Memorial Day Weekend. All teams will be responsible for their own housing, meals, and transportation costs to Phoenix, which are over and above the registration fee.
Development Department News
Special Olympics Connecticut Hires Vice President of Corporate Relations and Special Events
Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) has hired Christian J. Renstrom as Vice President of Corporate Relations and Special Events. Renstrom comes to Special Olympics Connecticut with a long history of professional success in the fields of sales and marketing, event production and management, public and media relations, and publishing. You can contact Chris by e-mail at ChrisR@soct.org or by phone at 203.230.1201 ext. 231.
Click here to read the Press Release about Chris.
20 years and still plunging . . .
The 20th Annual Madison Penguin Plunge will be held on Saturday, February 27th at Hammonasset State Beach. Join us as we celebrate our 20th anniversary as we give back to the community. Special Olympics Connecticut is asking participants and spectators to bring a non-perishable food item to the plunge. We will be supporting The Madison Food Pantry by helping to stock their shelves for people in need. Please visit www.soct.org and click on the Penguin Plunge logo and then on the Madison link to plunge or to make a donation.
Special Olympics Connecticut Ride for the Flame Event
The Law Enforcement Torch Run, spearheaded by Woodbridge Police Department and Southern Connecticut State University Police Department, will be hosting the 1st Annual Ride for the Flame on June 27th. Come out and ride in support of the Law
Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut.
The rides will begin and end at Whelen Engineering in Chester. There will be 25 mile, 50 mile, and 100 mile rides along the Connecticut River, past the Historic Goodspeed Opera House, Gillette Castle, and much more. Whether you are a leisurely rider or a competitor this is great way to enjoy the day and raise money for Special Olympics Connecticut. Please visit the Ride for the Flame website for more details: http://soct.convio.net/ridefortheflame .
Northwest Regional News
Northwest Region (NWR) Penguin Plunges
The 2010 Penguin Plunge Season is in full swing. All NWR plunges will begin at noon with registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. In order to take the plunge each participant must raise a minimum pledge of $50. For more information about the plunges please visit our website, www.soct.org , and click on the Penguin Plunge logo. The NWR’s first plunge was held on January 24th at Winding Trails in Farmington.
Here other upcoming NWR Penguin Plunges:
January 30
Highland Lake, Winsted
February 6
Lake Quassy, Middlebury.
March 7
Candlewood Lake Park, Danbury
The NWR received a $5,000 grant from Savings Bank of Danbury Foundation for our Penguin Plunge, in a new location, at Candlewood Lake, Danbury, to be held on March 7. Thank you for your generous sponsorship and support!
Please join us for our 1st Annual Penguin Plunge Candlewood Lake Park. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Danbury Police Activity League (PAL) building. The plunge will begin at noon. For more information call please call Sharon at 860.484.9283.
Sponsorships are still available for the Middlebury and Danbury Penguin Plunges. If you aren’t brave enough to plunge, but are interested in participating, please consider volunteering. Please call Morgan at 203.267.6566 ext. 703 for volunteer opportunities at the NWR Penguin Plunges.
We would like to thank the following sponsors for their support in making this plunge season a success: Farmington Bank, WTIC 96.5 FM, Winding Trails, Hocon, NBC Connecticut, Unionville Lion’s Clubs, Caffiene’s Café, Winsted Rotary, Spillway Grill, Marino’s Restaurant, Northwest Community Bank, Highland Lake Watershed Association, Town of Winchester, Greenwoods Country Club, Northwest Transit District, Winsted Park & Recreation, Winsted Police Department, Torrington Police Explorers, CT. State Police Dive Team, Winsted Fire Department, Winsted Ambulance, Realty Executives Northwest, Bartolotta, Inc., Wescor Building & Remodeling, Doyle’s Medical Supply, WZBG 97.3 FM, Emerson Processing, Naugatuck Valley Savings & Loan, I95 FM Radio, Savings Bank of Danbury, & UPS.
Northwest Region Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Events
Stay tuned for news about the 2010 LETR Kick-Off Luncheon.
Garner Corrections will be holding a Spin-A-Thon at Club New Fit in Newtown on Saturday, February 20th. Cost will be $25 per class and will include a shirt & goodie bag. For more information, or to register, please call the club at 203.426.8591.
2010 Northwest Regional (NWR) Games
The first committee meeting for the 2010 NWR Games will be held on February 9th at 6 p.m. in the front office conference room at Danbury High School. If you would like to play a part in planning this great event, please join us as we try to make this year’s NWR Games better and more exciting than last year!
Traditional Basketball Invitational
Please join us at the Traditional Basketball Invitational on March 20th, hosted by the great staff at Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, and surrounding schools. Intents for the basketball invitational are due on Friday, February 19th and registrations are due on Wednesday, March 3rd. Please contact Morgan Reinig if you have any questions or need more information.
Northwest Region (NWR) Local Coordinator Meeting
A NWR Local Coordinator Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 15th at 6 p.m. at the NWR Office, 1459 South Britain Road, Southbury, CT.
Northwest Regional (NWR) Aquatics Invitational
The 2010 NWR Aquatics Invitational will be held on Sunday, April 18th, at The Hotchkiss School, in Lakeville, CT.
Southwest Regional News
Bender Financial Group Wins National Community Impact Award
J. Philip Bender, of Westport, Connecticut, and his team at The Bender Financial Group are the recipients of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation 2010 Community Impact Award for their ongoing support of Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT).
Here is a link to video shown at the 2010 Community Impact Award meeting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gX5OaQGpP0
In recognition of efforts of the office of The Bender Financial Group, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is making a $50,000 contribution to the SOCT, to support the efforts of athletes throughout the Southwest Region.
Edward J. Zore, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Northwestern Mutual, presented the award to Mr. Bender, the Managing Partner of The Bender Financial Group, at the 2010 Eastern Regional Meeting of the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, held in New York City, on January 9, 2010. SOCT Regional Director Lisa Vane and SOCT Director of Development, Southwest Region Debbie Horne attended the event.
The Bender Financial Group has been an active supporter of SOCT for more than seven years. “Our partnership with Special Olympics Connecticut began because as an office, we wanted to encourage our financial representatives and their families to work collectively to give back to such an important organization in the community,” Bender says. “It shares our values of personal growth, enduring relationships, and commitment to self and others.”
Freezin’ for a Reason - Register for Westport Penguin Plunge
Even if the water’s a bit chilly, there will be the warm feeling of community spirit and joy in the air at this year’s Annual Westport Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT). All are invited to support local SOCT athletes by coming out to take the plunge with them and their friends on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Compo Beach. Pre-registration is encouraged and is currently underway. To register on-line, go visit http://www.soct.org/plunges . To request a participation packet or learn to about sponsorship opportunities to showcase your business at the event, please call the SOCT Southwest Regional Office at 203.380.9990 ext. 604 or e-mail Debbie Horne at debbieh@soct.org. You can also find information about the SOCT events on Facebook. Check-in and day-of-event registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the pavilion, and the plunge will take place at 2:30 p.m.
In addition to the excitement and fun of the plunge, Bob’s Discount Furniture, a major sponsor of the event, will donate hot beverages and energizing snacks for the participants. Radio Sponsor, 95.9 The Fox, will provide music and announcements, as well as having a team taking the plunge! USI, Black Duck Café and the Saugatuck Rowing Club are also supporting the event.
Attire for the plunge should be a costume, team jersey, or bathing suit. Event t-shirts will be provided. Towels and water shoes are recommended. Registration and signed waiver forms are required and the minimum donation to plunge is $50. Waivers for those under 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian. Spectators are welcome.
Registering early, as an individual or team, qualifies participants to receive incentives prizes Awards will be given to the top fundraising individual, team, and school, as well as for the individual or team with the best costume. 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.
Southwest Region Law Enforcement Torch Run Events
Saturday, March 20
The Milford Yacht Club Police and Firefighter Chili Festival
Sunday, April 11
Special Olympics Connecticut Day with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Hockey Team
For tickets to these events or for more information, please call 203.380.9990 ext. 604 or e-mail debbieh@soct.org.
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 (SOCT) Night on March 20th, for just $10 each and $5 from each ticket sold will be given back to SOCT. 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 http://www.soct.org/plunges to start on-line 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.
Eastern Region Law Enforcement Torch Run Events
Join Enfield Police for a Tip-A-Cop at the Country Diner
Saturday, February 27
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 pm
Country Diner, 111 Hazard Ave, Enfield, CT
February 2010 - Eastern Region Local Coordinator Meetings
The Eastern Region (ER) will hold its first Local Coordinator meetings of 2010. We will review upcoming Regional Competitions, Penguin Plunges, Coaches Trainings and Law Enforcement Torch Run events. Food will be available at 6:15 p.m. and the meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Sarah Ford, by e-mail, at sarahf@soct.org by February 5th.
Tuesday, February 9
CSC Building, 55 Hartland Avenue, East Hartford, CT
Thursday, February 11
ER Office, 401 Thames Street, Suite 107, Norwich, CT
Connecticut Association of Schools Unified Sports® School Based Program
Third Annual Unified Sports® Youth Summit
At this year’s Unified Sports Youth Leadership Summit more than 200 participants had the opportunity to reflect on their accomplishments and learn new skills in enhancing their school’s climate. Opening remarks by Mike Savage focused on the value of each student’s impact on the lives of classmates and how leadership skills have enriched their teammates. Mr. Savage stressed the importance of 6 words he lives by everyday: help, healing, kindness, compassion, mercy, and justice. Through stories from his career, he challenged summit attendees to keep up the great work, to encourage others to be passionate in the pursuit of happiness, and to be respectful to one another.
In the same vein, Beau Doherty, President of Special Olympics Connecticut, told stories of children who were institutionalized and were treated unfairly. With the dedication of Eunice Shriver and others, Unified Sports has given hope to those whose lives were very dim. Doherty spoke of the valuable partnership between Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) and the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) and that Connecticut Schools, under the leadership of Mike Savage, has provided the vision toward the expansion of Unified Sports. Through this unique partnership many attitudes and lives have been changed.
Monica Barrett, keynote speaker from Special Olympics Arizona, shared her experiences of Unified Sports opportunities in her home state and challenged the audience to find different avenues to strengthen their unique partnership. One successful activity that Barrett highlighted was Unified Cheerleading. She called on two students to help her demonstrate the fundamentals of cheering. Imagine doing this with 50 team members at half-time of a statewide football tournament! She also recommended that our athletes and partners share their experiences and best practices by using social networking techniques. “We learn best when we share collectively.”
Students from Farmington, Avon, Bristol, and Danbury did a great job in break-out sessions which highlighted creative strategies to develop meaningful relationships with athletes and how to make practice fun.
Dr. JoAnn Freiberg, the culminating speaker, reached out to the attendees to make their schools bully-free. Her remarks provided the attendees strategies to convince their peers that words can really hurt and that being positive is good for everyone. Paralleling Dr. Freiberg’s presentation, a video from Middletown High School highlighted their strategy of ending the R-word. Two Middletown teachers held a “Pride Day” where 1,300 students held discussed the effects of using the R-word and were encouraged to sign a pledge form during a “Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign”.
This year’s summit was a rousing success and a heartfelt thank you goes out to Bob Deasy and the Unified Sports staff. Plans are already in motion for the 4th Annual Youth Leadership Summit in 2011.
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
Annual Board Meeting/Dinner
The Annual Board Meeting/Dinner was held on Tuesday, January 26th at the Connecticut Association of Schools/Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Office in Cheshire. A big thank you to an anonymous Board Member who paid for the wonderful meal that was catered by Eli’s on Whitney. Board Chairman Dave Cassano hosted the evening where President Beau Doherty reviewed the 2009 Accomplishments and the 2010 Goals for Special Olympics Connecticut. A special presentation was made by Lou Pear on the Connecticut Association of Schools partnership and we thank him for also providing the site and drinks for the event.
Next Full Board Meeting
The next full Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 27th at 7:00 p.m. at the Special Olympics Connecticut State Office in Hamden. Agenda and materials will be sent out prior to the meeting – please mark your calendars!
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