February 2012
Feature Story
Important News
Stars of the Month
Upcoming Events
Sports Department News
Development Department News
Eastern Regional News
Northwest Regional News
Southwest Regional News
Advancement
Board of Directors
Connecticut Association of Schools Unified Sports School Based Program
Feature Story
Jump right in...
season is in full swing!!!
Click on the plunges below to register and start fundraising today!
Madison Penguin Plunge
February 11, 2012
Hammonasset Beach State Park
New London Penguin Plunge
February 12, 2012
Ocean Beach Park
Middletown Penguin Plunge
February 25, 2012
Crystal Lake
Middlebury Penguin Plunge
March 11, 2012
Lake Quassy Park
Westport Penguin Plunge
March 10, 2012
Compo Beach
Danbury Penguin Plunge
March 18, 2012
Candlewood Lake Park
Ellington Penguin Plunge
March 24, 2012
Crystal Lake
Click on the Facebook logo above to hear SOCT athlete and Global Messenger Bobby Osborne and Renee DeNino from Clear Channel Community Acess Radio talking about how you can get involved in this fundraiser!
Important News
**SOCT is looking to borrow a solution drum pump (click here to see a description of a solution drum pump) on Saturday, Feb. 25 and again on Sunday, March 4. This pump will allow us to complete the set up and break down of our floor hockey wall system in a timely matter. Anyone or any company who could help us out would be a huge help to the Winter Games committee.
The Sixth Annual Unified Sports® Youth Leadership Summit
The Power of One
written by: Lou Pear, Unified Sports® Director
At the recent Unified Sports® Youth Leadership Summit George Synnott, Assistant Director of the SOCT-CAS/CIAC Unified Sports® program, suggested that each attendee take back to their school ONE Project Unify initiative to help enhance their school’s positive learning plan. Julian Colquitt, President and CEO of Henkel and program sponsor, reinforced this message as the power of one also has an important impact on the corporate world. Both conference speakers challenged the attendees to be leaders in their schools, commended them for their interest and praised their enthusiasm. This year’s keynote speaker was Harvey Alston, a former football coach, teacher and a university dean. His motivational presentation got the summit off to an energetic and enthusiastic start. His message also focused on how school aged students can make a difference in their schools. He reminded them that as with the tin man in the Wizard of Oz, all they needed was heart and a dose of happiness.
Click here to read the entire article.
2012 Hall of Fame
Mark your calendars – The 2012 Hall of Fame is being held on Wednesday, March 21st at the Aqua Turf Country Club in Plantsville. Don’t miss this spectacular event where athletes, volunteers and sponsors are recognized for their many years of dedication!
– Award winners will be informed by early February and posted on the SOCT website. Please check to see if someone from your Local Program or Region has been selected.
-Invitations will be mailed out in mid-February. If you do not receive one and would like to attend, please contact Kelli Bigelow at kellib@soct.org or at (203) 230-1201 extension 276.
Stars of the Month
Youth Activation Council
Connecticut's Youth Activation Council (14 athletes and partners) presented at The Unified Sports® Youth Activation Summit held at Wesleyan University, which was attended by students from 42 schools. They facilitated breakout sessions for their peers about "Spread the Word to End the Word" Campaigns and "Movies that Move," which inspired discussion about inclusion and acceptance within the school community and everyday life settings. Their participation was instrumental in making the Summit a success.
Sergeant Luis Rosa
Sergeant Luis Rosa, Connecticut State Police Office of Counter Terrorism, was honored during the International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference, held in Calgary, Alberta in November. He was inducted into the Law Enforcement Torch Run Richard LaMunyon Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed upon individuals who aid in the growth and development of their local Torch Run Program and the national and international Torch Run movement.
Rosa, who served as the Executive Torch Run Director for the Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run, has been an active member of his local program for twenty-one years. He has worked tirelessly to spread the mission of Special Olympics and has actively contributed to many international torch run initiatives including his participation in the 2003 Final Leg run from Athens to Dublin, Ireland and the LETR Final Leg of the 2nd Special Olympics Latin American Games. In addition to these contributions, Rosa currently holds a position on the LETR Executive Council International Expansion Committee.
Upcoming Events
Events are added daily. For an updated list of all of our events, please visit the SOCT calendar:
Competition Events click here.
Special Events click here.
Sports Department News
Unified Triathlon
This new sport will take place on Sunday, April 29 in North Haven at the community pool, high school track and middle school parking lot. This is a team sport with 2 athletes and 1 partner competing as team members. Each team member will choose the leg of the triathlon in which they will complete, whether it is a one mile run, a 500 meter swim (20 laps) or a 3 mile bike race. For more information, contact Laurie-Jean at laurie-jean@soct.org.
Winter Games – March 3 & 4, 2012
Games Coaches meeting minutes from the December meeting are as follows:
· The 2012 SOCT Winter Games will be a qualifier competition for the 2013 World Winter Games which will take place from January 29 to February 6, 2013 in Pyeong Chang, South Korea. SOCT’s quota is a follows:
*Alpine – 1 male – Intermediate level
*Cross Country – 1 female – Novice level
*Snow Shoes – 1 male – Category 2
· SOCT Winter Games venues:
*Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding – Ski Sundown, New Hartford
*Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoes – CL&P Service Center, Simsbury
*Figure Skating & Speed Skating – International Skating Center, Simsbury
*Floor Hockey – Pratt & Whitney, East Hartford
· Registrations are due to each region by February 8
· Sport updates:
-Teams were asked to advance athletes in snowshoes and cross country to longer distance races if possible to provide more of a challenge for the athletes
-Floor Hockey will hold a qualifying event this year for Unified teams on Feb. 26 at the Pratt & Whitney Hangar
-Curling will take place in Bridgeport with trainings beginning in January and Bonspiel on Feb. 18
· Housing issues:
-Discussion was held asking all coaches and local coordinators to be more aware of who is rooming with who
-Hartford Plaza Hotel (formerly East Hartford Sheraton) will be for Floor Hockey
- Farmington Marriott will be for all other sports
-Hampton Inn Farmington will be for all visiting teams from other states
- Families can stay at the Centennial Inn or the Hampton Inn in Farmington
· Everyone was asked to please fill out the zoomerang survey after the games for feedback
**SOCT is looking to borrow a solution drum pump (click here to see a description of a solution drum pump) on Saturday, Feb. 25 and again on Sunday, March 4. This pump will allow us to complete the set up and break down of our floor hockey wall system in a timely matter. Anyone or any company who could help us out would be a huge help to the Winter Games committee.
Development Department News
Sock Hop
Put on those dancing shoes and join us for the first-ever Dream Cruise Sock Hop! On Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 7-11 p.m, Papa's Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram will host a Sock Hop to benefit Dream Cruise 2012. The evening will feature music by the Sharades, food, fun, a best-dressed contest, raffles and more! There will be plenty of parking and special classic car parking. All car clubs are welcome! Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at www.facebook.com/papasdodgejeep or by calling
1-888-614-9028.
Winsted Penguin Plunge
The Winsted Penguin Plunge is back for a 9th year! On Saturday,February 4, 2012, brave souls will jump into the frigid waters of Highland Lake in support of over 13,000 Special Olympics Connecticut athletes and partners. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. at Northwest Regional High School #7, located at 100 Battistoni Drive in Winsted. The plunge will kick off at noon at the lake. As parking is limited, we are requesting that all plungers and spectators park at Northwest Regional High School #7 and utilize the shuttle service that will be provided from the High School to the plunge site. For more
information on the plunge, visit www.soct.org/plunges or contact Sarah Bellerive at sarahb@soct.org or (203) 230-1201 x270.
A big thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors: Northwest Community Bank, Cadco, Doyle’s Medical Supply, Greenwoods Country Club, Highland Lake Watershed Association, Realty Executives Northwest, Quinico, Town of Winchester, Winchester Fire Department, and the Winchester Police Department.
Madison Penguin Plunge
Hundreds of Penguins are ready and raring to go as we approach one of the "coolest" events at the shoreline this winter. The 23rd annual Madison Penguin Plunge will take place Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Hammonasset Beach State Park at Meig's Point. Registration begins at 10 a.m.; the Plunge will kick off at noon. Visit www.soct.org/plunges or contact Sarah Bellerive at sarahb@soct.org or (203) 230-1201 x270 for more details!
A tremendous thank you to our sponsors: The Madison Foundation, Inc., The Source, Guilford Savings Bank, NBC Connecticut Partners in a Caring Community, 99.1 WPLR, Clinton Volunteer Fire Department, Connecticut Water, Divers Cove, First Niagra Bank, Madison Auto Body, State Farm LaTorre-Osterling Agency, and Hammonasset Beach State Park.
Special Olympics Connecticut Receives A Slick, New Ride
Since the Schaller Auto World Fund was established in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain in 2002, nearly $58,000 has been distributed to 22 area non-profit organizations, most of which support children-related causes. And, Special Olympics Connecticut is the fund’s most recent beneficiary. In 2012, the Schaller Auto World Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain will support two of SOCT’s signature event with two recent grants. The first will support Special Olympics Connecticut's Winter Games, and will make it possible for nearly 900 athletes and partners to enjoy dances, at the Farmington Marriott and the Hartford Plaza Hotel. The second grant from The Schaller Auto World Fund, will support the 2012 Special Olympics Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run, which will travel
through 100 Connecticut towns to Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games in June.
In describing their commitment to make the communities in which they live and work a better place, Ann Bova, Director of Development for the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, says, “To say that Art Schaller, his family and his business are local heroes is an understatement!” From its roots as a single Oldsmobile dealership, which sold 200 cars in 1953, the Schaller business has blossomed into a stable of six automobile dealerships, selling 3,000 cars annually, in central Connecticut. The automobile industry will always experience its bumps in the road, but Art Schaller, Jr. says local charities need not worry.“The auto business could go away someday – who knows – but the Schaller Auto World Fund will be giving back to the New Britain community forever.”
Dream Ride 2012...
Eastern Regional News
Upcoming Events
Local Coordinator-Summer Games/Events Meeting
March 6, 2012 - Tuesday
East Hartford-CSC Cafeteria, 55 Hartland Ave, East Hartford, CT
March 8, 2012 - Thursday
Eastern Region Office- Conference Room, 2nd Floor, 401 West Thames St, Norwich, CT
A member of our staff will be in the hallway to access entry to the elevator to the 2nd floor conference room up until 6:15 p.m.
*Food will be served at both meetings at 6:15 p.m. The meeting will promptly start at 6:30 p.m.
PENGUIN PLUNGE
It's that time of year again to start thinking about the Penguin Plunge! Online registration is open for all of the Penguin Plunges including those in the Eastern Region. Click the dates and locations below to register online. Contact the Eastern Region office if you need pledge envelopes, posters, or brochures.
February 19, 2012: Ocean Beach Park, New London
February 25, 2012: Crystal Lake, Middletown
March 24, 2012: Crystal Lake, Ellington
SOCT NIGHT WITH THE CT WHALE
April 13th is SOCT Night with the CT Whale. Tickets are available through the ER Office by calling (860) 887-1555 or emailing Jackie at JackieT@soct.org. Click here for the flyer and registration information.
*Stay tuned for information about some exciting summer events with the New Britain Rock Cats and Connecticut Tigers!
SAVE THE DATE! GUTS & GLORY QUARRY CHALLENGE - SEPT 15, 2012
Do you think YOU have the GUTS to compete in Connecticut's toughest endurance race? Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park and members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run are teaming up again to create an event that will test even the toughest of competitors. With course obstacles including an 80' cargo net, 3k trail run, zip lines and more it's a day you and your muscles will never forget. Visit brownstonepark.com for photos from last year's Challenge and for more information about registration for 2012. Space is limited, first come first serve.
Northwest Regional News
Sharon Pelkey attended a grant presentation at Savings Bank of Danbury where she received a check for $3,500 in support of the Danbury Penguin Plunge. She also attended a Holiday Party for the Knights of Columbus in Southington and collected $500 for the Northwest Region in support of development activities. This money was raised through the group’s tootsie roll sales.
2012 Scarf Project
Over 195 scarves were picked up at the New Milford Public Library. Friends of the Library graciously donated enough money for the “The Knit Wits” group and 100 people from the community to make the scarves for our athletes who will be attending Winter Games this year. Sue Ford, of the library, also did a project with the youth who attend there. She created a coloring book that will be given out to the athletes. Pages were made to encourage athletes and support their efforts at the games.
Penguin Plunges
March 11, 2012 at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury
March 18, 2012 at Candlewood Lake Park in Danbury
See our website for more details.
Traditional Basketball Invitational
The Traditional Basketball Invitational will take place on March 24th at Holy Cross and the surrounding schools in the Waterbury area. Special thanks to ALL the students from Holy Cross who are volunteering their time to make this event a huge success and most importantly the event director, Ed Generali.
The intents are due on February 10th and the Registration packet is due on February 29th. Please forward all of your registrations to Rebecca Brookshire at rebeccab@soct.org or 203-267-6570. NO registrations or paperwork will be accepted after February 29th and will result in a scratch. Any questions or concerns, please contact Rebecca at 203-267-6570.
Aquatics Invitational
The Aquatics Invitational is coming back to Watertown High School this year!! The event is set for April 21st, so save the date! More information to follow!
Southwest Regional News
The Southwest Region would like to welcome Jay Andronaco as Director of Development. He can be reached at (203)380-9990 ext. 604 or jaya@soct.org
Chili Festival - March 3, 2012 - Milford Yacht Club
The Annual Milford Yacht Club Police & Firefighter Chili Festival to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut will be held on Saturday, March 3rd, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Milford Yacht Club, 131 Trumbull Avenue, Milford. The event is being organized by Officer Jeff Nielsen and members of the Milford Police Department. For tickets and more information, contact Officer Nielsen at (203) 783-4739.
Floor Hockey Invitational - February 18, 2012 - Fairfield University
The Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Members of the Sound Tigers Booster Club and Special Olympics Connecticut are teaming up to hold the Second Annual Special Olympics Floor Hockey Invitational which will give Special Olympics athletes who are floor hockey players from the Trumbull Tigers, Hamden New Haven Nighthawks, Mighty Ducks and Norwalk Green Machine Special Olympics teams the chance to hone their skills and face off with each other! Fairfield University is graciously providing a venue at no cost. It will take place on Saturday, February 18, 2012, from 8:30 am to 1 pm. Those interested in learning more about Special Olympics and its floor hockey program or just want to come
and cheer on the athletes are invited to attend. To find out more, please contact Special Olympics at 203-380-9990, ext. 604 or jaya@soct.org.
Peguin Plunge - Westport Compo Beach - March 10, 2012
Registration - 11 am; Plunge - 1 pm
Sign up for the Annual Westport Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics and show your support for the courageous and dedicated athletes who train and compete in sports all year long. Register online at www.soct.org/penguinplunges/westport. [To request a registration packet or receive information about sponsoring the event, contact Special Olympics at 203-380-9990 ext. 604 or jaya@soct.org.] Attire should be a bathing suit, team jersey or costume. 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 $75. (Waivers for those under 18 must be signed by a parent/ guardian.) Spectators are strongly encouraged to attend and cheer on the plungers!
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.
The Champion, News for Champions of the Movement
The Champion, News for Champions of the Movement, is a Quarterly Newsletter. To subscribe to The Champion, please contact Liza Nolan by e-mail at lizan@soct.org or by phone at 203.230.1201 ext 241.
To read page one of this newsletter, click here.
Click here to read page two!
Board of Directors
Thank to friends from CL&P: CL&P Day of Caring
A special thank you goes out to Al Pollock, Board Member, for coordinating a United Way Day of Caring initiative with CL&P employees that benefitted SOCT. The Day of Caring was created by the United Way to promote the spirit and value of volunteerism, increase the awareness of local human service agencies and schools and demonstrate what people working together for the community's good can accomplish.
On December 9th, 13 CL&P employees volunteered their time and talents to roll out 52 computers by unpackaging the computers, burning an image on each computer then delivering the computers around the state to each SOCT office. Under the leadership of Tony Driver, who created the image and planned the process, the day went very smoothly. A very special thanks to all CL&P employees who made the transistion to the new computers seemless: Al Pollock, Tony Driver, Jean Lapiene, Bob Wackelin, Bryan Wood, Cynthia Bazzano, Joe LaBella, Tom Johnson, Brad Doyle, Beth Bunko, Frank Borea, Maura Stavovy, George Millerd.
Connecticut Association of Schools Unified Sports School Based Program
*Please refer to The Power of One article above highlighted in the Important News section.
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