Noteworthy News - October 2025
10.13.25
By: Special Olympics Connecticut
Aetna Hosts First Corporate Mobile Plunge for SOCT
An exciting, energized, first-ever Corporate Mobile Plunge to benefit SOCT was hosted by Aetna. Aetna employees - including SOCT Board Member Amy Oldenburg and Aetna President Steve Nelson - jumped in and helped to make this fun-filled fundraiser a reality and a wonderful success - the event raised over $32,000 for our athletes! See the story that appeared on FOX61 here: https://bit.ly/4q3qQHQ
Interested in hosting a Mobile Plunge at your workplace? Let us know by emailing us at [email protected].
Cella Selected for SONA Athlete Congress
We're pleased and proud to announce that SOCT Athlete and Global Messenger Nick Cella has been selected to attend the 2026 Special Olympics North America (SONA) Athlete Congress. This Congress will take place March 8–13, 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and will bring together 27 athlete leaders from across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.
The event will focus on personal and professional development, leadership training, and important discussions about topics that are currently affecting athletes in their local Programs/Chapters. Nick will be accompanied by his Mentor, Gabe Wagstaff. Read more about the SONA Athlete Congress here: https://bit.ly/3Kyit6Y
Connecticut College Hosts Unified Event to Inspire Inclusion, Friendship
Athletes from our Special Olympics Mystic and New London local programs played in Unified cornhole and volleyball matches during an inclusive event hosted by members of Connecticut College's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The fun, spirited games inspired new friendships among our athletes and the students and took place on October 5th.
Unified Leadership Council Members Hold First Meeting of the Academic Year
Members of the Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT)/Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) Unified Leadership Council came together for their first meeting of the year on October 7th . Members are high school students who play Special Olympics Unified Sports® at their schools and have chosen to take on an additional role - as leaders who promote acceptance and inclusion in their schools and in their communities.
The meeting helped the students build and practice powerful skills, with a focus on effective communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork. The work they've done will help empower them to be strong leaders and change-makers and champion the mission of Special Olympics and its Unified Sports® programs.
Soccer Tournament Kicks Off A Unified Academic Year
Twelve soccer teams representing high schools across the state participated in the 2025 ESPN Unified Soccer Kick-Off Tournament. The event took place at Bristol Central High School on September 24th and was one of the first Special Olympics Unified Sports® tournaments of the academic year. ESPN is a Presenting Sponsor our our Special Olympics Unified Sports® in schools program.
Annual Susan Saint James Poker Tournament Raises Over $6,000
The Annual Susan Saint James Poker Tournament to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut was hosted by Foxwoods Resort Casino and took place on September 14th. Poker players of all skill levels placed their bets and SOCT came out the winner - as the event raised over $6,760 to support our athletes and local programs!
Epic Golf Tournament Presented by Eversource and Foxwoods and Sponsored by BluRoc Nets $200k+ for SOCT
The Annual Special Olympics Connecticut Golf Tournament Hosted by Eversource and Foxwoods Resort Casino and held at the Lake of Isles Resort in Stonington took place on September 15th. BluRoc was the Title Sponsor of the sold-out event that raised an epic $200K+ for our organization. NBC Connecticut Sports Anchor Matt Finkel served as the reception emcee. Special thanks to the dedicated committee members who devote their efforts to planning this event throughout the year and ensuring it's a first-rate tournament from start to finish.
Officers Golf Fore Our Athletes
Law enforcement officers and officials - the heroes of our athletes - came together to play in the annual CTLETR Golf Tournament at the Tunxis Country Club in Farmington on September 29th. The Tournament drew more than 100 golfers and raised over $25,000 to support our mission and programs. LAZ Parking was the Platinum Sponsor and Hartford Healthcare, a Silver Sponsor.
