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More than 2,000 athletes and Unified Sports® partners and more than 200 coaches participated in our annual Unified Sports® Holiday Classic presented by the Connecticut Elks Association, November 22^nd and 23^rd. 

Competition venues included AMF Circle Lanes and Lucky Strike Milford (formerly Bowlero) for bowling, Quinnipiac University for basketball, the JCC of Greater New Haven for volleyball, and Gleason Performance Training for powerlifting.

In addition to competing in sports, participants received free dental screenings and tips for preventing injuries, and engaged in activities that help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being through our Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® program. The health offerings were made possible by volunteers who are health professionals and students pursuing degrees in the healthcare field. By the end of Holiday Classic weekend:

* 120 athletes, Unified partners and family members visited the injury prevention station  

* 64 athletes experienced Special Smiles which focuses on oral health

* 51 athletes participated in a Strong Minds activity

Did you know? Bowling is our most popular sport with about 660 participants competing this year! 

We're thankful for the remarkable volunteers and sponsors who supported the Holiday Classic, our biggest state games event of the year.