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Ray Hadden made history as the first Special Olympics Connecticut athlete coach to participate in the Special Olympics USA Games. Hadden led his bowling team to victory in Minnesota, winning two gold medals. 

Hadden’s bowling team consisted of four athletes: Paul Fournier, Jen Carlson, Ryan Cook, and Kelly Smith. The team trained once a week from October to the end of May in preparation for the USA Games. The group started as strangers, but over the months of training, the team became a "big family." 

Hadden’s athletes proved that hard work pays off, not only bringing home two gold medals but also three fifth-place ribbons, a fourth-place ribbon, a sixth-place ribbon, and an eighth-place ribbon. The final day of the USA Games struck an emotional moment for Hadden, with lots of happy tears. 

“My athletes inspired me more than I can say,” said Hadden. 

Attending USA Games was a bucket-list item for Hadden. He explained how grateful and excited he was to have the opportunity to be a coach for the Connecticut bowling team.  

“I was honored to be part of the delegation,” said Hadden. “I was honored just to be part of USA Games.” 

Hadden has been a bowling coach for over ten years. He was inspired to coach because he wanted to give back to Special Olympics, which has given him so much. Hadden said that participating in Special Olympics gave him confidence. Hadden said that he sees the same kinds of transformations and feelings in his own athletes.  

“I see in my athletes what I saw in myself,” said Hadden. “And it makes me feel really good.” 

Ray Hadden has been a Special Olympics athlete for his whole life. He began his athletics career in fourth grade. Since then, he has participated in a multitude of sports, including downhill skiing, snowshoeing, track & field, bocce, and bowling. 

Hadden will be coaching the New Milford Special Olympics bowling team for the upcoming season. He looks forward to bringing his knowledge from training a USA Games team to his local team.