Annual Awards Dinner
You're invited to join us for an evening of recognition and celebration as we honor outstanding Special Olympics Connecticut athletes, volunteers, and supporters at our 2026 Annual Awards Dinner.
The event, generously hosted by the Calvanese Family, will take place at the Aqua Turf Club on Tuesday, March 31.
To find out about sponsorship opportunities and for additional information, email [email protected].
Tickets are $35 per guest. Please purchase tickets by Friday, March 20.
Sponsors
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Co-Presenting Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
2026 Honorees
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award - Nick Sinacori
Honoring an athlete who best exemplifies the spirit of Special Olympics.
Shriver Family Award - The Suzio Family
Honoring a family who, through volunteer and philanthropic support, has made a significant impact on our organization.
Lew Perkins Coach Award - George Hagipanagiotou
Honoring an individual coach who has made a significant impact in the lives of Special Olympics athletes through sports and fitness training.
Sheila Schmidt Award - Nicole Mordasiewicz
Honoring a volunteer who, through unselfish efforts, has made a significant impact on our organization.
Eunice Murtha Award - Valerie Jensen
Honoring an individual or family who, through philanthropic means, has made a significant impact on our organization.
Community Leadership Award - Synchrony
Honoring a company or organization that has made a significant impact on our organization through financial and volunteer support.
Susan Saint James Leadership Award - Tizziana Fusco Weber
Honoring an individual or family whose leadership skills have brought about positive changes to our organization.
Outstanding Local Program Award - New London Wildcats
Presented to the Local Program that exemplifies the true meaning of Special Olympics.
Norman Hanenbaum Lifetime Service Award - Joe & Nancy Dennin
Honoring an individual or group for extraordinary dedication to supporting Special Olympics Connecticut and making a significant and indelible impact on our movement.
Spirit of Life Awards - Sophia Diaz, Margo Meley, Remi Pagan
Presented to athletes who exemplify the true meaning of Special Olympics. Created in 1982 in tribute to our athletes and their accomplishments, both on the field and in life.
Spirit of Inclusion Awards - Highland Elementary School, Jockey Hollow Middle School, Norwich Free Academy
Created in 2023 to recognize schools that offer multiple seasons of Special Olympics Unified Sports®, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement.