News & Media

Meet our Newest Global Messengers

Global Messengers are athletes who are selected to serve as ambassadors, spokespersons and leaders for Special Olympics Connecticut. They volunteer their time to educate the public about the organization and its programs, share their personal Special Olympics stories, thank supporters, and promote acceptance and inclusion for all.

 

Fallon Moran 

 

Fallon Moran is an athlete with the Special Olympics Shelton team. She trains and competes in bowling and swimming and sings the National Anthem during Opening Ceremonies to help kick off major SOCT events.

"I have lots of friends and family who love me, care for me, and support me, but after I graduated high school there were less chances to socialize. Then I found Special Olympics," says Fallon.

Fallon has won a gold medal in swimming for four consecutive years and won her first gold medal in bowling in 2024. She's also raised over $500 for Special Olympics by participating in the Penguin Plunge!

Fallon graduated from high school in 2013 and was inducted into its National Honor Society. She's had jobs at a hair salon and restaurant and is currently employed by Goodwill where she works as a Retail Associate.

Fallon says Special Olympics is important to her because she wants to participate in sports and fun activities to keep herself in shape and socialize with a lot of people in the community. She is also excited to join SOCT's Global Messenger family!

"I have always wanted to become a Global Messenger since the very beginning of my Special Olympics journey. I am not afraid to sing in front of the whole audience. I am not afraid to talk and tell my Special Olympic story," says Fallon.

 

Jordan Lopez

 

Jordan Lopez is an athlete who joined the Special Olympics Bristol team in 2012. He's trained and competed in bowling, track & field, and cross-country and alpine skiing. He's also taken part in various fundraisers and the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run.

In addition to his participation with the Bristol Special Olympics team, he is a published author and autism advocate. Last year, he was honored with the McGinn Award, which is presented each year to someone who demonstrates courage and determination in overcoming a hardship in their life. 

He's also been involved in community groups and organizations that include the Social Chase, ELCCT, Nutmeg Lit, OpportunAbility, Autism Speaks, the Favarh Players, and Autism Families CONNECTicut. 

In addition, he's served as a member of the Bristol Diversity Council and has been a counselor for the Connecticut Youth Leadership Project (CTYLP) for the last three years.

Jordan currently works as a pharmacy technician at CVS Health and is pursuing his second degree in Plant Science at Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC). He has a large, blended family with five brothers and fur siblings Donut and Jack.

In his spare time, Jordan enjoys reading, creative writing, working out, painting, collecting rocks and coins, gardening, and traveling with friends and family.
 

DJ Green

 

DJ Green is an athlete from Bristol who got involved in Special Olympics in 2018. He’s participated in bowling, cross-country skiing and track and field. He is excited to have been chosen to represent Connecticut at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota where he'll compete in track & field! 

DJ credits Special Olympics for helping him become a lot more active and make many friends. “It has pushed me to become a better version of me,” says DJ.

DJ’s biggest obstacle has been running long distances, especially since he’s had to overcome some health challenges. He never thought that he could run as well as he does now and is proud of all he’s achieved as a runner. He’s even completed a half marathon!

DJ works at Imagine Nation Preschool as a substitute teacher. In addition to participating in Special Olympics, he enjoys watching wrestling and drawing and designing pictures. He’s also tap danced for ten years. 

DJ says Special Olympics is important to him "because it gave me the opportunity to show what I can do and it makes me feel like an athlete."

"I look forward to doing all the seasons' sports and giving it my all. I have improved and gotten better from all the practices we do. The Games are always so much fun. Special Olympics is a family," he adds.
 

Victoria Pacheco

 

Victoria is an athlete with the Special Olympics West Hartford team. She trains and competes in bowling, basketball, track & field and bocce. She is proud of her role as a Fitness Captain for her team - a role she took on in 2025. 

Victoria's also very active in the SOCTFit 5 Facebook group and has a passion for living a health lifestyle that includes staying fit and eating nutritious foods.

She currently works at Walmart in East Windsor - a job she's had since October of 2013.

In addition to being part of Special Olympics, Victoria enjoys art, dancing, knitting, watching movies, and attending summer camp where she celebrates her birthday every year. Victoria also loves spending time with her nephew and family.

"I want to help my teammates and help my coach in the sports we do," says Victoria when asked why she wants to serve as a Global Messenger.