Fall 2025 Featured Athlete
Hector Sanchez
Sanchez Stands Out as Accomplished Athlete, Global Messenger and Over the Edger
By Aedan Heffernan, SOCT Contributing Writer
Meet Hector Sanchez, Special Olympics Connecticut Athlete and Global Messenger. Hector has been involved with Special Olympics since he was in middle school in 2007.
During high school, he participated in cross-country skiing and track and field with the East Hartford public schools team and its coach, Ken Bragg. When it came time to graduate, Hector knew he wanted to continue to participate in Special Olympics. Coach Bragg introduced him to Tahj McCall, a Coach and Local Coordinator for the Special Olympics Hartford local program, who invited Hector to join his team. Hector has been an athlete with Special Olympics Hartford ever since!
Hector is a well-rounded athlete, who - in addition to skiing and track & field - has participated in softball, floor hockey, basketball, and soccer. He is currently training to compete in softball skills at our upcoming Unified Sports® Fall Festival.
As a Global Messenger, he is a spokesperson and ambassador for the organization. "I love being a role model, speaking to other people around me, and helping others," says Hector.
I will be rappelling down Mohegan Sun for the first time on August 29th for SOCT's Over the Edge fundraiser, so I asked for Hector’s advice. Hector - who will be rappelling for the second time this year - says, "Stay focused and calm. Don't panic and you won't quit."
Hector rappelled down Mohegan Sun’s Sky Tower for the first time last year. He remembered being very scared because his aunt passed away the same day as Over the Edge. However, he took the cross his aunt gave him and put it around his neck.
After a staff member told him he couldn't wear it around his neck due to safety reasons, he put it inside his shirt. When it came time to rappel, Hector felt safe since his aunt and guardian angel was watching over him. Although he was afraid of heights, he was able to conquer his fear and make it down. He looks forward to rappelling again this year on August 29th!