Tom Madera

Hamden, CT

Tom Madera is a Special Olympics Unified Sports® partner from Hamden. He will be a member of the Unified softball team representing Connecticut at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. 

Tom has participated in Special Olympics for more than 30 years and has been a Unified partner for more than 20 years. He first got involved during the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in New Haven. He’s played basketball, floorball and softball and was also a member of the Unified softball team that represented Special Olympics Connecticut at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey! 

Tom is also heavily involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Connecticut and has served as a Council Member representing college and university police departments, Team Captain, Leg Coordinator and Co-Director of the Connecticut LETR from 2020 to 2024. He also represented Connecticut as a participant in the Law Enforcement Torch Run® Final Leg at the 2006 Special Olympics USA Games in Iowa and the 2010 Special Olympics USA Games in Nebraska. For his dedication, he earned an Unsung Hero Award.

“When I first began with SOCT, I knew nothing about Special Olympics or anyone with intellectual disabilities. I became hooked immediately!” said Tom. 

Through Special Olympics, he met his wife, who plays basketball, and brother-in-law, an athlete who plays basketball and golf. 

Tom is an Associate Director for Public Safety - Support Services for Yale University. In this role, he oversees training, scheduling, accreditation, and communication for Yale’s security and police departments. 

Tom enjoys collecting baseball cards and sports memorabilia and participates in charity bike rides. Prior to his career in law enforcement, Tom was an architectural designer and baseball player. 

“It means a lot to be selected to represent my state and be surrounded by great athletes and teammates.” says Tom. To prepare, Tom is working out five times a week and playing in several softball leagues.