News & Media

Carter Cyr is the newest employee at Special Olympics Connecticut, joining the team as the Data and Office Assistant. Carter manages tasks such as phone calls, database information, and other front-of-house questions! He is excited to share more about himself as he steps up into this role.

Professionally, Carter's journey to Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. Starting his career as a custodian in public schools, Carter was inspired by his mother, a special education professional in Branford, and the administrative and cleaning teams that he accredits to supporting the entire school system. This admiration, coupled with his desire to use his talents to help others, led him to pursue a role where he could have a more direct and positive influence.

Carter's journey at SOCT began as an intern, and he has since worked his way up, motivated by the belief that his path is part of a bigger picture. He approaches teamwork with a balance of leadership and collaboration, knowing when to step up and take charge while also being a good listener and motivator.

As a colleague, Carter is approachable and enjoys connecting with others, whether through casual conversation or shared activities. He spends his lunch breaks relaxing, chatting, and listening to a diverse range of music, from country and rap to musical soundtracks and podcasts. When asked about his dream team-building exercise, Carter states that he prefers activities that foster face-to-face interaction without the use of technology, which he believes is the foundation of team building at its core. He appreciates receiving feedback and staying connected with his team through direct communication, often preferring face-to-face interactions for praise and discussions. 

Carter is also a well rounded individual beyond his professional path. Carter is enthusiastic and dedicated to his work, but also has a passion for history and the great outdoors. In his free time, he enjoys participating in a Revolutionary War reenactment group, immersing himself in the life of an 18th-century soldier. Carter also has a knack for remembering historical facts, making him a wealth of interesting trivia. An avid lover of the outdoors, Carter also enjoys recreational swimming and going on hikes. An unusual and fascinating aspect of his life is that his heart is located on the opposite side of his body, a unique fact that never fails to intrigue. Among his favorite entertainment choices are the "Hunger Games" book series, "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, the video game "Fallout," and the TV show "Forged in Fire."

Carter values inclusion deeply, believing that everyone, regardless of their skills or abilities, should have a voice and the opportunity to participate. He again credits his mother for teaching him resilience and the importance of pushing through challenges, a lesson he applies in his professional and personal life. Working in the nonprofit sector has been fulfilling for Carter as it has helped him grow more comfortable in engaging with people, advocating for himself, and asking questions. He stays motivated by the idea that "Rome wasn't built in a day," taking a methodical approach to his work and finding satisfaction in the results of his efforts.

Carter is passionate about his friends and family, who motivate him to always strive for better, believing that the energy one puts into the world is what one will receive in return. In his role at SOCT, Carter is eager to expand his skills as he continues to grow professionally, and contribute to the organization's overall mission.