News & Media

Special Olympics Connecticut athletes were thrilled to participate in Andre Drummond's Summer Camp at Yale, July 25th and 26th. NBA Player and Special Olympics Ambassador Andre Drummond hosts the camp annually to help budding basketball stars, ages 8-18, develop their skills and shine on the court.

This year's participants included Regan Sawyer from Special Olympics RHAM and Jerry Robinson from Special Olympics Bridgeport.

"He had a great time at camp! It is an amazing program - the coaches were great, the other kids were great. We are so thankful for him to have the opportunity to participate," said Regan's mom, Karen Sawyer.

"I would love for everyone to a get a chance to have the experience Jerry had. It really was a wonderful event!" shared Michelle Robinson, Jerry's mom.

SOCT Athlete Bobby Peterson - who's also a Global Messenger and Coach for his Special Olympics Marrakech basketball team - had the phenomenal honor of serving as Andre's Assistant Coach for Camp.

"Bobby was absolutely amazing. I had the opportunity to spend time with him throughout the weekend, and he embraced his role as an assistant coach with such enthusiasm, professionalism, and genuine joy," said Camp Director Patricia West.
 

Fear of Heights Doesn't Keep Eversource's Reale from Going Over the Edge

Despite being deathly afraid of heights, Brian Reale is taking on Over the Edge for the second year because supporting Special Olympics Connecticut is bigger than his fear.

Read Brian's inspiring story, written by SOCT Intern Mia Sansone, and see why he's going Over the Edge once again here.

First Special Olympics Connecticut Athlete-Coach Attends USA Games 

Ray Hadden made history as the first Special Olympics Connecticut athlete to serve as a coach at the Special Olympics USA Games. Hadden led his bowling team to victory in Minnesota, where they won two gold medals. 

Hadden’s team trained once a week from October to the end of May in preparation for the USA Games. The group started out as strangers, but over the months of training, became a "big family." 

“My athletes inspired me more than I can say,” said Hadden. Read more about his story here.
 

SOCT Athletes Support Officers' National Night Out

In many towns, SOCT athletes teamed up with their local police officers for National Night Out, an initiative that promotes partnerships between law enforcement officers and people in communities they serve. SOCT Global Messenger Matt Glad and his teammate, athlete Max Zionts, greeted neighbors and shared information about Special Olympics alongside officers at the Windsor green during the event.

SPUD Open Memorial Golf

The 10th Annual Spud Open Memorial Golf Tournament took place at the Tunxis Farm Country Club on August 1st. The event was hosted by Andrew and Caitlin Yellen in partnership with the Yellen Memorial Scholarship Fund and benefited our participants of all abilities..
 

Athletes Putt and Play in Annual Golf Jamboree

Our 206 Golf Skills Jamboree took place at the Lyman Orchard Golf Center on Sunday, August 2nd. Participants rotated through stations to hone their putting, chipping, and driving skills.
 

ClubWaka Members Serve Up a Successful Volleyball and Cornhhole Fundraiser

Members of CLUBWAKA held their 2nd Annual Mountain Classic Volleyball and Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, August 1st.  The event raised nearly $1,500 for Special Olympics Connecticut while serving up a great day of competition, community, and inclusion. Global Messengers Justin Prince and Brian Drexler attended the event to help out and thank participants.