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My name is Angie D’Amico. I have been working for Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) as the assistant to the Health and Wellness Department since October 2016. This position allowed me to start the Health Messenger team. When I first started, I only had 3 Health Messengers on my team.    

I have been trying to get more Health Messengers on my team by recruiting athletes at various events and venues.   I organized all of the trainings including the prep, food, activities, ice breakers, and presentation.  Some of the Health Messengers, including myself, went to Washington, DC to get additional training from Special Olympics, Inc.  

When the coronavirus hit in March 2020, I had to learn how to work from home. In order to encourage athletes, we created a Facebook page called Fit 5 for athletes to stay active and connected.  I worked closely with others in my Health Department on keeping the athletes doing virtual training. 

 In 2022, Special Olympics started getting back to normal with in-person sporting events, Special Olympics clubs, healthy athletes' events, and health promotions at different venues. At this time, I am up to 9 Health Messengers on my team. Each year I try to get one or two more Health Messengers on my team to expand our Health and Wellness program.   

My role at SOCT is very important because my co-workers ask for my advice on different programming that would benefit other athletes. I also have the opportunity to work with one of my other co-workers helping her with Global Messengers. When there are events, training for them, we work together to make a plan, and think of different activities for them. My role also includes answering phones and getting mail. When I am out and about, I tell people that I work at the Special Olympics and this is the job that I love.  I have been working on my self-confidence since I started here at my job. I am not complete there but I try my hardest to be the best I can every day.    

Special Olympics is my dream job. I love helping out and teaching athletes new things. My Special Olympics co-workers became my friends and family outside of work.  One of my goals is to work one more day here at my job. I have learned so much and am getting more opportunities to do more things and learn.  I am very blessed to have this opportunity to write to you about my experience working for SOCT.