News & Media

Global Messenger Training Day Focuses on Skill-building, Teambuilding, and Leadership

Our Athlete Leadership Training Day in Bristol brought together 98 Global Messengers (spokespersons and ambassadors for Special Olympics Connecticut), Mentors, Speakers and Guests, Board Members, and SOCT Staff on April 25th.

Speakers and special guests provided enthusiasm, expertise, education and practical advice for helping our athletes talk to the media, enhance their leadership skills, and develop a podcast for SOCT. They included Andrea Obston of Andrea Obston Marketing and Communications and Quinnipiac University, Ryan Ziaks, and Special Olympics Rhode Island's Mary-Ellen Powers and Madison Flaxington. 

Additionally, high school students who participate in Special Olympics Unified Sports® at their schools and are members of our youth Athlete Leadership Council organized fun, challenging activities focused on coordination and collaboration.

SOCT and CIAC Celebrate Inclusion at Annual Special Olympics Unified Sports® Banquet

The 22nd Annual Special Olympics Unified Sports® Awards Banquet hosted by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) and Special Olympics Connecticut was attended by over 800 athletes, Unified Sports® partners, coaches, administrators, families, and honorees on April 27th. The Banquet celebrates Special Olympics Unified Sports® teams in schools and their members, who promote inclusivity both in and out of the classroom.

Speakers were Dr. Miguel Cardona and SOCT Board Chair Lisa Klovakas. Winners of the student essay competition also read their pieces about how Unified Sports® affected their lives or how Unified Sports® made them feel included.

These winners were:

• Emma Snow, Southington High School
• Madison Lucuk, Pomperaug High School
• Caleb Zaczowski, Harborside Middle School
• Violet Laird, Harborside Middle School

Awards were also presented to schools and students:

• Ann Malafronte Rookie school of the Year — Hamden Middle School
• Unified Sports Middle School of the Year — Broadview Middle School Danbury
• Paul D. Mengold Athletic Director of the Year — Steven Blumenthal, North Haven High School 
• Unified Sports High School of the Year 
• 1st place - E.O. Smith High School 
• Runner-Up - Pomperaug High School 
• Runner-Up - Rocky Hill High School 
• George Synnott Unified Coach of the Year
• Donald Casey Jr. - Jockey Hollow Middle School 
• Barbara Poison - Bunnell High School 
• Special Appreciation 
• Gregg Simon - Associate Director, CIAC  
• Dan Lee - Cheshire High School 

Sponsors of the Special Olympics Unified Sports® program are the Connecticut Chapter of the Club Management Association of America, the Connecticut Elks Association, ESPN, Hoffman Auto Group, and Webster Bank. 

Global Messengers Visit State Capitol to Thank Representatives for Support

Special Olympics Connecticut Global Messengers, staff, and volunteers had the honor of standing in the well of the Senate Chambers and meeting with their hometown representatives at the Capitol in Hartford on April 20th and 21st.

Our group shared updates on the impact of our programs across Connecticut - and most importantly, thanked our legislators for their continued support of our athletes and mission of inclusion. Because of leaders like these, thousands of athletes across our state have access to year-round sports, health, and community programs.

Avon Police Host Purse Bingo Fundraiser

Officers with the Avon Police Department hosted their annual Purse Bingo fundraiser at The Golf Club of Avon on April 24th. This unique fundraiser brought the community together in a fun and engaging way - playing bingo for the chance to win designer purses, all while supporting Special Olympics Connecticut athletes and the Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run. The event raised more than $16,000!

Elks Migrate 106 Miles for SOCT

The Great Elks Migration, a fundraiser organized by members of the Connecticut Elks Association, is a 106-mile, six-day charity walk to benefit our organization. Participating Elks completed this year's trek when they reached the Westbrook Elks Lodge on May 17th. Rain or shine, nothing hindered the trip these dedicated volunteers took to support our athletes! The Connecticut Elks Association is also a Year-Round Partner Sponsor and Presenting Sponsor or our annual Unified Sports® Holiday Classic. Additionally, members host our annual Super Plunge.

Law Enforcement Officers Take to the Streets to Collect Coins for SOCT 

Officers from Connecticut State Police Troop L, Troop C/Major Crimes and Somers Resident Trooper/Major Crimes volunteered their time to take to the street corners and intersections with buckets in hand and collect coins and bills that will help our athletes. All monies raised as a result of their efforts - over $23,000 - will support the Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut and ultimately provide our athletes with what they need to realize their goals in sports and in life!

Athletes Recruit Summer Games Volunteers at NBC Sports 

Global Messengers Meghan McCormack and Fallon Moran joined SOCT's Sharon Rozum in visiting Summer Games Sponsor NBC Sports at their headquarters in Stamford to recruit employees to volunteer at our upcoming Summer Games. Meghan and Sharon also shared with the employees the impact of Special Olympics in their lives and the opportunities and joy it inspires!

Jersey Mike's Hosts Month, Day of Giving to Support Special Olympics, USA Games

More than 40 Jersey Mike’s Subs locations throughout Connecticut held their 16th Annual March “Month of Giving” campaign to support Special Olympics. During the month of March, customers rounded up their purchase to the nearest dollar or made a donation when placing their order to support 59 Team Connecticut athletes and delegates and the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. 

The Month of Giving campaign culminated with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on March 25th, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants dedicated 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and the local state programs attending the USA Games. Members of Team Connecticut for the Special Olympics USA Games, which will take place in Minnesota this June, and SOCT Global Messengers served as ambassadors for the event.

J. McLaughlin Presents Fashionable Fundraiser

Managers and employees at J. McLaughlin women's clothing stores across Connecticut held a promotion to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut on April 23rd. Throughout the day, they welcomed athletes who visited their stores to thank them and their customers for donations made through sales. Participating J. McLaughlin stores included the Greenwich, Darien, Ridgefield, New Canaan, Southport, Westport, Litchfield, Madison and West Hartford shops.

Athlete DJ Green Shares Special Olympics Story at Knights of Columbus State Convention

Global Messenger DJ Green, an athlete with our Special Olympics Bristol team, was the guest speaker at the Knights of Columbus Annual State Convention held in Bristol on April 25th. He joined SOCT President Mike Mason and SOCT's Katie Dennett in thanking the members of the Knights and addressed attendees, sharing his powerful story of courage and success and the influence Special Olympics has had on his life.

Special Olympics Connecticut Recognized as Valued Community Partner

SOCT's Emily Pitney and Troy Sundwall attended Chapel Haven Schleifer Center's Family Brunch at Anthony’s Ocean View on May 3rd. During the event they were presented with a 2026 Valued Community Partner Award. The Chapel Haven Schliefer Center runs one of our wonderful local programs and its athletes, Unified Sports® partners and coaches participate in our programs throughout the year.

Webster Bank Thanked for Unwavering Support

SOCT's Sharon Rozum and Global Messenger Meghan McCormack visited Peter M. Gabriel, Executive Managing Director, Webster Private Bank to express gratitude for Webster Bank's ongoing, generous support. Webster Private Bank has been a Platinum Sponsor of the SOCT Sumer Games and the band at the Opening Ceremony athlete dance since 2022. Additionally, Webster Bank is a Year-Round Partner Sponsor and Presenting Sponsor of our Health & Wellness and Unified Sports® programs.