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Eversource's volunteer snowmakers will receive recognition for their extraordinary efforts and dedication to supporting Special Olympics Connecticut's Winter Games at the organization's Annual Awards Dinner. During the event, outstanding athletes, volunteers, families, and groups who exemplify the spirit of Special Olympics and have made a significant impact on the organization will be celebrated. The event will take place at the Aqua Turf Club on Tuesday, March 25th.

Eversource's committee of volunteer snowmakers, led by head snowmaker Andy Ouellette, will be presented with The Norman Hanenbaum Lifetime Service Award. They will be honored for spending months leading up to Winter Games laying down the piping and going through the arduous process of manufacturing man-made snow and grooming it. They do this to ensure Special Olympics athletes and Unified Sport® partners have ideal conditions for their cross-country skiing and snowshoeing competition on the property of Eversource's Windsor facility during the organization's Winter Games weekend. The Eversource team is made up of current company employees and retirees who return to the activity every year to make sure the job gets done. They are the only group to do this for a Special Olympics event and make have made it an annual tradition for more than 30 years. Additionally, Eversource is the Presenting Sponsor of Winter Games and a Special Olympics Connecticut Year-Round Partner Sponsor.

“The dedication of the Eversource volunteer snowmaking team is truly remarkable. Andy and his team care deeply about our athletes and go to great lengths to make snow for our Games. It’s a time-consuming task that requires many hours of work, often overnight hours, and many resources coming together to bring our Winter Games participants joy. The snowmakers are undeniably worthy of the Norman Hanenbaum Lifetime Service Award and we are immensely grateful for them,” said Special Olympics Connecticut President and CEO Mike Mason.

"We're honored to receive The Norman Hanenbaum Lifetime Service Award and are so grateful for our partnership with Special Olympics Connecticut and the difference they make for athletes every day." said Ouellette. "Making snow in Connecticut can be a challenge because you never know what the weather is going to throw at you, but thanks to all the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy year after year, we’re able to make it happen. We know how important it is for the athletes to have a snowy field to compete, and we will never let them down.”

The Norman Hanenbaum Lifetime Service Award is presented to an individual or group for extraordinary dedication to supporting Special Olympics Connecticut and making a significant and indelible impact on our movement. Norman’s devotion to Special Olympics Connecticut and individuals with intellectual disabilities was unwavering throughout his lifetime. In 1969, Norman was among a small group of special ed teachers who formed Special Olympics Connecticut. He remained a dedicated volunteer for more than 35 years.