April 2008
Feature Story
Important News
Upcoming Events
Sports Department News
Development Department News
CAS Unified® Sports/Young Athletes Program
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Northwest Region News
Southwest Region News
Eastern Region News
Board of Directors
Feature Story
2009 World Winter Games Team Selected
World Winter Games 2009, Boise, Idaho
On Monday, March 31, 8 athletes were selected to represent Special Olympics
Connecticut as members of Team USA for the 2009 World Winter Games.
Congratulations and best wishes to the following athletes:
Snowshoers: Brian Drexler, Wethersfield and John Bencivengo IV, Oxford
Alternate: Stephen Cuthbert, Oxford
Cross Country Skiers: Peter O’Neil, Darien Lions and Scott Regan, SARAH
Alternate: Jimmy Saunders, Darien Lions
Alpine Skiers: Kristin Wiedemann, Glastonbury and Julie Easter, Shelton
Alternate: Nicole DuBiago, Darien Lions
Figure Skater: Jennifer Cassano, Greenwich
Alternate: Alexandra Woodruff, Greenwich
Speed Skater: Melissa Lord, RHAM
Alternate: Ashley Roberts, RHAM
Athletes who were selected but unable to attend the selection event were called that evening. Here are quotes from 2 athletes:
"This is my dream come true! I always wanted to be on
team USA......maybe I'll even be on TV"!! - John Bencivengo
"Thanks again Laurie-Jean for calling me and letting my know about my selection for World Games. As I told you last night it is a dream come true. It is an honor to represent my State & Country at these games. Again Thanks for this great opportunity. I won't let you down." - Brian Drexler
These athletes have an exciting year ahead of them. In December they will travel to
Copper Mountain, Colorado for a training camp where they will meet their coaches and all the other athletes from Team USA. They will train hard through the winter and compete at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho from February 6 – 13, 2009.
Important News
Special Olympics Connecticut Photo Gallery ***All NEW***
You can now see photos from Special Olympics Events on our website! Visit www.soct.org, click on the "About Us" section on the hopepage, a drop down bar will appear and at the bottom you will see Photo Albums. Enjoy the photo slideshows!
Big thanks to Nick Osborn for putting this together and all our wonderful volunteer photographers who capture the best moments of competition and events. More slideshows will be added throughout the year so keep looking!
Special Olympics Capitol Hill Day
This past March Special Olympics Connecticut was invited to join Special Olympics athletes and representatives from 31 states for Capitol Hill Day.
Connecticut Global Messengers and athletes Jamaine Johnson and Bethany Stopa were joined by their mothers, Carol Millet and Necia Stopa, as well as SOCT Director of Public Relations Laura Gremelsbacker for the exciting trip. Carol Millet wrote her thoughts about this amazing experience,"Jamaine and I had a fabulous time on Capitol Hill Day. The meetings seemed productive Bethany and Jamaine did a wonderful job speaking about Special Olympics and what a difference it has made in their lives. The staff we met with seemed genuinely interested in what we wanted and politely listened and asked probing questions. Of course, the reception was the highest point, to have Tim Shriver, Senator Chris Dodd and Senator Ted Kennedy, along with so many other elected officials up close and personal showing their support made it all seem worth the trip." Here are two photos from the trip.
Special Olympics Connecticut Celebrates 40 years
In 2009, Special Olympics Connecticut will be celebrating its 40th anniversary.
This is very exciting news and we are all looking forward to celebrating it with our athletes, volunteers, sponsors and friends.
At the 2009 Hall of Fame banquet in March we are looking for a theme that ties in the 40th anniversary; and we need your help. We would like to have a contest where all of you get to participate. So put on your thinking caps!
We are asking for suggestions to be submitted no later than Monday, June 30th and that you send them to Kelli Bigelow at kellib@soct.org. The 40th Anniversary Committee will select the winning theme and a $25 gift card to the place of your choice will be the prize.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to help celebrate Special Olympics Connecticut’s 40th Anniversary and win a prize!
Lime Rock Karting Challenge 2008
On May 20 and 21, experience the thrills of endurance racing like Le Mans, Sebring and Daytona at the Lime Rock Karting Challenge 2008 to benefit Special Olympics
Connecticut.
The event is a 4-hour endurance race that pits a team of four drivers against the rest of the field. Each driver will have four 15-minute racing sessions. The entry fee
for each team of four is $1,400 and includes the use of an Endurance Karting super kart (10 horsepower 270 cc Honda engine with a top speed of 50 MPH), fuel, helmet, racing uniform, and gourmet lunch. Each team receives professional instruction from the Endurance Karting staff and practice time, giving novices a chance to adjust to the kart before the race. If you cannot fill a team of four, individual slots will be sold at $350 each. A Discount of $200 per team ($50/individual) is offered for registration received on or before May 9th. Registration begins at 10:00am. Racing begins at 1:00 pm.
It’s your chance to go head-to-head with your family, friends, co-workers, or clients for a fun-filled day of action and thrills. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers.
Lime Rock Park has been a Regional Sponsor of Special Olympics Connecticut for more than 5 years, and regularly demonstrates their commitment to numerous worthy charities. This event is a prelude to the start of the Lime Rock Park Racing Season. For more information about Lime Rock Park, please visit their website, www.limerock.com. Media Sponsor for the 2008 Karting Challenge is 97.3 FM WZBG.
To register for the Lime Rock Karting Challenge 2008 or for more information,please contact Steve DeWitte at 203.267.6566 ext. 701.
Upcoming Events
Date Event
April 13 Cycling Coaches Training School -- Click here for registration form
April 13 Athletics Coaches Training School -- Click here for registration form
April 18 2008 Regional & Summer Games Registration including housing due
April 19 UConn Husky Soccer Invitational
April 19 Northwest Region Aquatics Invitational
April 29 Urban Youth Day
May 3 & 10 Regional Games- Eastern
May 10 Soccer Divisioning Tournament
May 10 Regional Games - Northwest
May 10 & 17 Regional Games - Southwest
May 18 Cycling Time Trials
May 20 & 21 Lime Rock Karting Challenge 2008
May 21 Golf Coaches Training School -- Click here for regsitration form
June 4-6 Law Enforcement Torch Run
June 6-8 Summer Games*
June 18 Fall Sports Festival Coaches Meeting at CAS/CIAC Office at 6pm
August 2 Coaches Picnic at Shuttle Meadow Country Club, New Britain
*For a full list of 2008 Summer Games Dates to Remember, please see the Sports Department Section of this issue of the e-newsletter.
For more SOCT competition and special events click here
Sports Department News
Golf Coaches Training School
Clinician Frank Sleva will offer a Golf Coaches Training Schoool on May 21st at Racebrook Country Club.
2nd Annual UCONN Husky Soccer Invitational
The 2nd Annual UCONN Husky Soccer Invitational will be held on Saturday, April 19th at Depot Field. Competition will be offered in 5-a-side traditional and 5-a-side unified
competitions as well as individual soccer skills. The day will run from 10am -3pm, for
more information please contact Marc Mercadante at marcm@soct.org.
2008 Summer Games Coaches Meeting
The 2008 Summer Games Coaches Meeting was held on March 11th. Over 100 people attended the meeting. The 2008 Summer Games Intent to Participate Forms as well as the Registration Packets for Aquatics, Athletics, Cycling, Gymnastics, Soccer, and Tennis are now available on our website.
Click here to find the 2008 Summer Games Forms.
Summer Games Coaches Meeting Highlights
2008 Summer Games will be held June 6, 7 & 8
• All registrations are due to the Regional offices by April 18th. This includes housing.
• Coaches training schools are being offered in athletics, soccer and cycling
• Insurance requests need to be submitted to Sarah Dickinson, ASAP
• SCSU and Hamden Hall will once again host the Summer Games
• All Aquatics events and Gymnastics will take place at Pelz Gymnasium at SCSU
this year; All Developmental Aquatics events will take place on Friday afternoon,
June 6th at Pelz Gymnasium
• We expect there to be some changes to the layout of field events due to some
re-seeding on the practice football field. Please look for campus maps upon arrival.
• The soccer medal rounds will be posted on the website on Saturday evening for
Sunday’s final schedule
• Unified® shot put and Unified® running long jump events are divisioned by the
oldest member of the team regardless of whether or not that team member is
the athlete or the partner
• Only individuals with proper credentials will be allowed in the residence halls.
Visitors may come into the lobby but are not allowed upstairs in any of the rooms.
• The Student Center will house team registration on Friday in the lower level from
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; 200 meter athletes will pick up their credentials at the
Pentathlon tent in the upper field; Developmental Aquatics athletes will pick up
their credentials at the Pelz pool
• Healthy Athletes will be offered both Saturday and Sunday at the Student Center
• Dance theme will be “Rock N Roll”
• An “Elvis” Impersonator, Donny Edwards and the Velvet Elvis Band, will be the main entertainment at Opening Ceremonies on Friday, June 6th. Opening Ceremonies
will begin at 7:15 p.m.
• NO DOGS ALLOWED at any venue throughout any event during the weekend of the
games unless they are a guide dog.
• Recycling bins will be located throughout both campuses. Students, staff and
volunteers from ACES will be coordinating this effort. Please let’s all help
them by putting trash in the trash receptacles and soda cans in the recycling boxes.
• There are 5 parking lots available on the SCSU campus:
The Fitch St. Parking Garage is best for Aquatics
Parking Lot 2 on Fitch St. for all events
Parking Lot 7 on Wintergreen Ave. is best for Athletics
Parking Garage on Wintergreen Ave. is best for Residence Halls
and Athletics and Olympic Town
Parking Lot 8 on Farnham Ave. is best for Cycling
2008 Summer Games Dates to Remember
MARCH 28
INTENT TO PARTICIPATE, MEDICAL, AND RELEASE FORMS DUE TO REGIONAL OFFICES
APRIL 18
ALL REGISTRATION DUE TO REGIONAL OFFICES INCLUDING CYCLING TIME TRIALS, SOCCER DIVISIONING TOURNAMENT, REGIONAL GAMES REGISTRATION, AND HOUSING
APRIL 19
UCONN SOCCER INVITATIONAL
MAY 2
SOCCER DIVISIONING TOURNAMENT ROSTER APPEAL/SCRATCH DUE TO HAMDEN OFFICE
MAY 3
EASTERN REGIONAL GAMES -- STONINGTON
MAY 9
CYCLING TIME TRIALS ROSTER APPEAL/SCRATCH DUE TO HAMDEN OFFICE
MAY 10
SOCCER DIVISIONING TOURNAMENT AT EASTERN REGIONAL GAMES
MAY 10
SOUTHWEST DEVELOPMENTAL AQUATICS
MAY 10
NORTHWEST REGIONAL GAMES
MAY 10
EASTERN REGIONAL GAMES -- HARTFORD
MAY 17
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL GAMES
MAY 18
CYCLING TIME TRIALS
MAY 23
ROSTER APPEAL/SCRATCH DUE TO SOCT FOR: ATHLETICS, AQUATICS, GYMNASTICS, TENNIS
JUNE 6, 7, 8
SUMMER GAMES
Sports Department Wish List
If anyone can help us out with any of these items it would be greatly appreciated:
• Stop watches
• Time clocks
• Score books
• flip score charts
• whistles
• air horns
• batteries – AA, C, D size
• ice chests
• bull horns
• PA systems
• sunscreen
• pop up tents
• electrical ties
• duct tape
• caution tape
• padlocks with universal keys
• carnival games & prizes
Winter Games 2008 - Lost and Found
We have a few items returned from the Winter Olympics:
1 IGA flag bandana
1 Gap black small sweater
1 Burgundy leather glove (Pete inside)
1 Brown suede glove
1 Multi knit glove
1 fleece red glove ladies med
1 fleece green North Face men’s small
1 red & blue thinsulate glove (Ronald or Donald)
1 gray fleece sm/med
1 blue fleece old navy pullover size 12
snowboarder on front
To claim any of these items please call Roz at 203.230.1201 ext. 277
Winter Games 2008 – Zoomerang Survey results
Thank you to those of you who took the time to complete the 2008 Winter Games Zoomerang Survey. As we plan for the 2009 games we will look at the comments and suggestions and do our best to implement positive changes. At this time, however, it is necessary to address some of the concerns that were mentioned in the survey:
• Lunches: Over the years we have learned what works well and what doesn’t with
the resources we have to prepare food. In the past we had a facility available to us
where we could make thousands of cold sandwiches the day before the games with the help of more than 20 volunteers. When that facility closed leaving us with no other place to prepare sandwiches, we decided to do a cookout at all venues. In the kitchen at the skating center there is only a convection oven available to us. For that reason we decided that hot dogs would be the best option at that venue. After trying to have
hamburgers for a number of years at the other venues we did away with those as well.
The hamburgers would come to us frozen and we could never guarantee that they would be thawed enough to cook adequately before serving them and we received complaints about eating frozen burgers. This also led to many issues with the health departments. It was at that time that the committee decided that hot dogs would be best. They cook easily and most athletes like them. For whatever reason it was also easier to obtain hot dog rolls – we were not always able to receive all of the hamburger rolls that we needed. We have been fortunate to get some veggie burgers (they cook easily on a grill even if frozen) and a small amount of Uncrustable sandwiches provided as well. We know that not everyone likes hot dogs but honestly feel this is the only hot meal we can provide outside during the Winter Games. All food is donated by Bozzuto’s and we are extremely grateful for what we get. We are limited to what we can ask for and do the absolute best we can to make the meals as appetizing as possible. This is also the reason why we cannot provide food for families and spectators. We will continue to try and have concession stands available at all games whenever logistically possible. All food requests for the entire year for all programs and events are submitted in October with no opportunity to make changes afterwards. If you have any ideas as to what else we can do, please contact Laurie-Jean. We are always open to suggestions.
• Volunteers: As a volunteer driven organization Special Olympics is very
grateful to all of those who give us so much time and energy to provide the programming that we do. We will continue to strive towards better communication with volunteers and their particular assignments during the games including clearer directions and venue maps. We will also do a better job at making sure all volunteers have a job to do and feel good about what they are doing. We will continue to do background screening checks on all Class “A” Volunteers
• Delay of Start time: We learned with this year’s Winter Games that how we
might expect a delay to affect the event schedule isn’t exactly how it is interpreted
by our athletes and volunteers. We apologize for any inconvenience this might have
caused anyone and in the future will be much more explicit and comprehensive with
our instructions.
• Parking and Directions: We are very grateful to be able to hold our events
in the facilities that we have available to us. As we are visitors to these facilities
it is up to us to respect their wishes when it comes to parking. We ask that everyone
notice the parking signs that are either on Ratlum Road leading to Ski Sundown or
on Rt. 10 near CL&P and park in the designated areas provided to us. Everyone is
expected to do this regardless of their role in the games. We realize it may not be
convenient to have to load ski equipment on and off buses and we ask that everyone
do the best they can to help one another whenever possible.
Coaches Appreciation Picnic
There will be a Coaches Appreciation Picnic on Saturday, August 2nd, 4:00 p.m. at
Shuttle Meadow Country Club in New Britain. Invitations will be mailed.
North America Coach of the Year
Nominations are now being accepted to select one coach from Special Olympics
Connecticut to then be submitted to Special Olympics North America. Nominations
are due to Laurie-Jean by April 11th.
Emergency Pager Number
The Special Olympics Connecticut Emergency Pager Number is being changed within the next few months. This will become a direct phone call to the person on call to allow for quicker response time. This number is currently located on the back of certified
coach and local coordinator credentials and is 203.766.8359. Details will be posted
in the e-newsletter once all technology is in place.
Caregiver's Survey
Survey Study Title: Access to Oral Healthcare for Children and Adult with Down Syndrome, Caregiver’s Survey
This survey was designed to address the factors affecting access to dental
care for people with Down syndrome . The information we are trying to collect will be
used to develop the appropriate community/dental providers education programs for
this population if needed. Additionnally, we are interested in learning how much
information you have received about dental care, and your expectations regarding to
access to oral health care.
This is a completely optional and anonymous survey. You may skip any question that
makes you feel uncomfortable. We do not ask for your name, phone number, or any contact information. Please complete the survey within 2 weeks of receiving it, and return it by e-mail. Your completion and return of the survey implies consent. The survey will only take a 20 minutes; your response is greatly appreciated. Thank
you for your help.
Sincerely,
Principal Investigator: Judy Lewis, M.Phil 860- 679-3458
Graduate Student Researcher: Moises Salas, DDS 860- 593-2667
Division of Pediatric Dentistry
University of Connecticut Health Center
263 Farmington Avenue
Click here for the Caregiver's Survey
Development Department News
We will be participating in two 2008 Travelers Championship fundraising programs
in conjunction with their golf tournament that takes place June 16th-June 22nd at
TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, CT.
Birdies for Charity:
Birdies for Charity is a pledge-based fundraising program in which 501©3 non-profits
in Connecticut raise money by soliciting pledges (just pennies!) based on the number
of birdies made during the 2008 Travelers Championship. Simply solicit pledges of one
penny or more and at the conclusion of the Championship, the tournament will not only bill our donors and collect the pledges…but they return 100% of the funds to SOCT.
The more pledges you gather, the more funds you’ll raise. If 1500 birdies are made:
1¢= $15; 10¢= $150; $1.00= $1500. Start with just 5 cards! If you can get 5 friends or family members to pledge just 2 cents a piece…we’ll be well on our way!
Pledge cards are now available. Contact Liza Byron at 203-230-1201 x241 or
elizab@soct.org to get started!
Chip in for Charity:
With Chip In for Charity, charities and other community organizations can sell tickets
to the Travelers Championship for the discounted price of $20 (normally sold for $32.00), and 50% of the profits will be donated back to the group. Ticket buyers obtain a discounted ticket, and the organization raises $10 per ticket sold- it's a win-win for
everyone!
Participating is easy!
1. Sell tickets! Tickets are valid for General Admission, Any One Day,
Monday, June 16 - Sunday, June 22.
2. Submit unsold tickets and 100% of funds received to the Travelers Championship.
There is no penalty for unsold tickets.
3. The Travelers Championship will send us a check for 50% of the sales in Fall 2008.
Tickets are now available. Contact Liza Byron at 203-230-1201 x241 or elizab@soct.org.
to get started!
CAS Unified® Sports/Young Athletes Program
CAS Unified® Sports Program Expanding
1,592 students in Connecticut middle schools and high schools participated in Unified® Sports basketball tournaments in March this year, up by almost 50% over last year!
We proudly welcomed middle new schools from Guilford, Waterbury, Greenwich, Hartford, and Burlington. Additionally, Ludlow of Fairfield, New Canaan, Greenwich, Stonington, and Sheehan and Lyman Hall of Wallingford participated for the first time in Unified® Sports.
Soon, our brand new Unified® Sports DVD will be available in each school to show parents, potential participants, volunteers or supporters, exactly what Unified® Sports is all about and why each person viewing it will want to be involved in our growth! We are truly, “changing attitudes and changing lives”. Each high school Athletic Director will receive a copy of the DVD at the CAAD Conference this month. Middle and elementary schools will have a copy mailed to the principal in the next few weeks. We hope that this will be instrumental in spreading the word on this tremendous program and the good that is being accomplished through it.
Upcoming Spring events and registration information is available on the website at www.casciac.org/unifiedsports .
Law Enforcement Torch Run
University Police Departments will be making arrests across the state in the month of April in an effort to raise money for Special Olympics Connecticut!
Three Connecticut Universities will be holding “Jail n’ Bail” fundraising events for Special Olympics Connecticut’s Law Enforcement Torch Run program. Last year, Central Connecticut State University and Southern Connecticut State University held the first ever Jail n’ Bail events in the state. Fairfield University has jumped on board this year with the event. If you have a child at one of these schools, know a teacher or a member of the administration you never know when you could get a call to make a pledge to get them out of jail . . . or not!
April 17th Central Connecticut State University
April 23rd Southern Connecticut State University and Fairfield University
Last year, over $20,000 was raised during the Jail n’ Bail events.
Law Enforcement Officers recognized at 2008 Hall of Fame Dinner
On Thursday, March 20th Special Olympics Connecticut awarded Captain Robert Gearing from the Bridgeport Police Department and Sergeant Tom Madera from Southern Connecticut State University Police Department the Unsung Hero award. This award is given to those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support Special Olympics Connecticut and our athletes. Congratulations to Captain Gearing and Sergeant Madera.
Upcoming Tip-A-Cop Events
April 9th
Tip-A-Cop
Texas Roadhouse, West Haven from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Hosted by: New Haven Correctional Center
April 25th
Tip-A-Cop
Duffy’s Tavern, West Haven from 11:00 – 2:00 lunch; 5:00 -9:00 dinner
Hosted by: West Haven Police Department
April 25th
Tip-A-Cop
Ninety-Nine Restaurant, Torrington from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Hosted by: Torrington Police Department
Northwest Region News
Northwest Regional Meetings
Regional Games Committee Meeting on Wednesday, April 16th at Bristol Eastern High School library from 6-8:30pm
Regional Games Meeting for Local Coordinators, Coaches, and Games
Committee on Thursday, May 8th, at Bristol Eastern High School cafeteria at 6-8:30pm
Traditional Basketball Invitational
Using 5 Waterbury venues, 27 teams from Connecticut and New York competed at the Traditional Basketball Invitational on March 15th.
Congratulations to the Traditional Basketball Invitational division champs:
Division 1 Hartford Board of Education
Division 2 West Hartford Hurricanes
Division 3 TriTown Thunder
Division 4 Griswold Team A
Division 5 Mid-State Huskies
Thank you to Ed Generali, the staff and students of Holy Cross High School,
and the many other volunteers who made the event possible. Thanks also to sponsor,
Savings Bank of Danbury.
Aquatics Invitational
The Aquatics Invitational will be held Saturday April 19th at Watertown High School.
This event can be used as a qualifier for Summer Games if an athlete can’t attend
Regional Games. Please contact Kristina at 203.267.6566 for more information.
This event is sponsored by Thomaston Savings Bank.
2008 Northwest Regional Games
The Northwest Regional Games will be held Saturday May 10th at Bristol
Eastern High School and the Dennis Malone Aquatic Center. For competition and
volunteer information, please contact Kristina. For sponsor opportunities,
please contact Steve DeWitte at 203.267.6566.
Law Enforcement Torch Run Events
Congratulations to Avon Police Department and Beacon Falls Resident Trooper for
the successful events hosted last month.
Please join us at the following upcoming Tip-A-Cops:
April 25th
99 Restaurant, Torrington from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Hosted by Torrington Police Department
May 2nd
Chili’s, Simsbury from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Hosted by Simsbury Police Department
May 3rd
Dunkin’ Donuts, Newtown from 6:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Hosted by Newtown Police Department
Save the Date!
The 1st Annual Northwest Region Athlete Dance will be held Saturday July 19th at
Veteran’s Park in Watertown. More details will follow. Thank you to the Watertown
Special Citizens and numerous Watertown Civic Groups for hosting this event and
Emerson Processing for their generous sponsorship.
Southwest Region News
Southwest Region Local Coordinator Meeting
The next Southwest Regional Local Coordinator meeting will be held on April 17th
at 6:30 p.m. at Vazzy’s Restaurant in Bridgeport. Please RSVP by April 14th.
Please send an alternate if you are unable to attend.
Over the top – 2008 Westport Penguin Plunge
Special thanks to all the penguins, donors, and volunteers who braved the rain storm and came out to support the Westport Penguin Plunge on March 8th.
The plunge raised over $143,000. Sponsors included Bob's Discount Furniture,
Shivering Students, and USI Connecticut (formerly Webster Insurance). 95.9 THE FOX was the radio sponsor. Emily’s catering provided gourmet soups and chili.
Fairfield University to Present 1st Annual "Jail n' Bail"
Fairfield University’s Public Safety Department will present its first “Jail n’ Bail”
Fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut on Wednesday, April 23rd at the
Barone Campus Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more details, please call 203.380.9990 ext. 604 or e-mail debbieh@soct.org.
2008 Southwest Regional Games
May 10th will include Developmental Aquatics at Hillcrest Middle School in the
morning and Gymnastics at Lakewood YMCA in the afternoon.
May 17th will include Aquatics, Athletics, and Tennis at Hillcrest Middle School
and Trumbull High School. Please remember that all registration and paperwork are due in full on April 18th. We can not accept late paperwork. We look forward to
beautiful weather and seeing everyone out there! Sponsorships are still available,
please contact lisav@soct.org.
Baseball Opening Party at Frozen Ropes, Orange
On April 18th Frozen Ropes is holding an event to open the baseball season and half of the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Connecticut Southwest Region.
Please see attached flier.
Eastern Region News
April Eastern Local Coordinator Meetings
The next Eastern Regional Local Coordinators meetings will be held on April 8th in East Hartford and April 9th at the Norwich office.
Athletics Coaches Training School
An Athletics Coaches Training School will be held on Sunday April 13th at Cheshire High School. Please contact Rita Ford for more information. Regional Games Registration
Registration for Regional Games is due April 18th to the regional offices. This includes housing for the 2008 Summer Games.
Board of Directors
Winter Games
The 2008 Winter Games were challenging this year with a snowstorm on Friday evening. So a big thank you to the Board Members who came and supported us during this challenging time; Board Vice Chairman David Cassano, Nancy Dennin, Bonnie Smith and John Lobon. The event was a huge success despite the weather.
Connecticut Association of Schools
Thank you to Honorary Board Members Mike and Taylor Lupica for attending and volunteering at the CAS/CIAC basketball event at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan.
Hall of Fame
Great job and thank you to Board Vice Chairman David Cassano who helped present awards at the 2008 Hall of Fame banquet on March 20th. Other Board Members in attendance were: Rick Allen, John Lobon, Nancy Scirocco, Lisa Kovlakas, Bonnie Smith and Nancy Dennin.
Next Full Board Meeting
The next full Board Meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at the Special Olympics Connecticut State Office in Hamden.
View Past Newsletters
