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Recognition & Visibility

SOCT recognizes individuals and organizations who have committed their time and resources to supporting our mission. From Hall of Fame inductees to President's Award recipients, we are grateful for their contributions throughout the years.

*The 2022 Bozzuto Family Award was presented to the the Baker Family.

2026 Hall of Fame Honorees

Shriver Family Award 

The Suzio Family
Honoring a family who, through volunteer and philanthropic support, has a made a significant impact on the organization.

Lew Perkins Coach Award

George Hagipanagiotou
Honoring an individual coach who has made a significant impact in the lives of Special Olympics athletes through sports and fitness training.

Community Leadership Award

Synchrony
Honoring a company or organization that has made a significant impact on our organization through financial and volunteer support.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award  

Nick Sinacori
Honoring a Special Olympics athlete who best exemplifies the spirit of Special Olympics above and beyond the requirements of a Spirit of Life winner.

Eunice Murtha Award 

Valerie Jensen
Honoring an individual or family who, through philanthropic means, has made a significant impact on the organization.

Outstanding Local Program Award

Special Olympics New London Wildcats
Honoring the Local Program that exemplifies the true meaning of Special Olympics.

Sheila Schmidt Award  

Nicole Mordasiewicz
Honoring a volunteer who, through unselfish efforts, has made a significant impact on the organization.

Susan Saint James Leadership Award 

Tizziana Fusco Weber
Honoring an individual or family whose leadership skills have brought about positive changes to the organization.

Norman Hanenbaum Lifetime Service Award 

Joe and Nancy Dennin
Honoring an individual or group for extraordinary dedication to supporting Special Olympics Connecticut and making a significant and indelible impact on the movement.

Spirit of Life Awards for Exceptional Athletes

Sophia Diaz, Margo Meley, Remi Pagan
Honoring athletes who exemplify the true meaning of Special Olympics. Created in 1982 in tribute to our athletes and their accomplishments, both on the field and in life.

Spirit of Inclusion Awards for Exceptional Schools

Highland Elementary School, Jockey Hollow Middle School, Norwich Free Academy
Created in 2023 to recognize schools that offer multiple seasons of Special Olympics Unified Sports®, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement.

Unsung Hero Awards for Exceptional Volunteers

Tammy Allison, Brad Guilani, Joe Harrington, Jamie Marotto, Lauren Maston (posthumously), Jameson Mayr, Jessica Preston
Honoring volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes for Special Olympics Connecticut with no expectation of recognition or reward. 

Previous Hall of Fame Honorees

President's Awards

2025 Recipients

  • David & Paula Kelly
  • Robert Hale


President’s Awards are presented to those who have made outstanding contributions to Special Olympics Connecticut.

Robert Hale President's Award 2025.jpg

Previous President’s Award Recipients