Athlete Stories

Aaron Newton is this year's recipient of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award. His enthusiasm, charm, sense of humor and genuine care for others has lifted up and inspired so many since he first became involved in Special Olympics Connecticut while attending high school at Norwich Free Academy. 

Aaron is also a Special Olympics Unified Sports® success story. After graduating from Norwich Free Academy, he successfully transitioned from the school-based program to the Special Olympics Mystic-Ledyard community-based team. He started out competing in basketball and track and field and today, three decades later, he still demonstrates speed and physical fitness on the track! Aaron helped establish the New London Wildcats with his coach, Pete Wagner, roughly 30 years ago and enjoys playing Unified softball and volleyball as a member of the team!

Aaron is known and admired for arriving at practices early, giving rides to others who don’t have transportation and going above and beyond at sports and fundraising events - not just showing up, but cleaning up afterwards.

He takes his role as a Global Messenger very seriously and represents Special Olympics Connecticut and his fellow athletes proudly. Whether he's carrying the Flame of Hope or hopping on the microphone to thank people for their support and plug upcoming events, he commands attention and does an amazing job!

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award, named for Special Olympics' Founder, is a prestigious award that honors an athlete who exemplifies the spirit of Special Olympics. Aaron truly embodies the spirit of Special Olympics and is most deserving of this honor!