Championship Dreams, Unified Teamwork
Athletes and partners from across the state come together to compete, connect, and elevate the game.
Presented by:
Join us for the 2026 Special Olympics Connecticut Unified Sports® Holiday Classic
SPORTS: Basketball, Bowling, Powerlifting, Volleyball
WHEN: Saturday, November 21, 2026 – Sunday, November 22, 2026
WHERE:
- Basketball: Quinnipiac University – Hamden
- Bowling (Traditional, Team, & Unified): Lucky Strike – Milford
- Bowling (Traditional & Unified): Circle Lanes – East Haven
- Powerlifting (Traditional & Unified): Gleason Performance Training – Ansonia
- Volleyball (Unified): Vale Co-Op – Berlin
This annual event brings together athletes along with their coaches to compete after months of dedicated training. They proudly represent their communities while showcasing determination, sportsmanship, and pride as they vie for ribbons and medals across multiple sports.
PLAN TO ATTEND
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
REGISTRATION INFO FOR COACHES
By The Numbers:
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Unified Sports® Holiday Classic SITES & SPORTS
The 2026 Special Olympics Unified Sports® Holiday Classic will feature competition across a variety of individual and team sports, hosted at premier collegiate and community venues throughout Connecticut. Events will take place during scheduled competition days, with athletes participating in well-organized, divisioned contests designed to ensure fair play and meaningful competition for all.
Unified Basketball
Quinnipiac University
275 Mt. Carmel Ave., Hamden
Sat., Nov. 21 - Sun., Nov. 22
Bowling (Traditional & Unified)
Circle Lanes
525 Main St., East Haven
Sat., Nov. 21 - Sun., Nov. 22
Bowling (Team, Traditional, & Unified)
Lucky Strike
1717 Boston Post Rd., Milford
Sat., Nov. 21 - Sun., Nov. 22
Powerlifting (Traditional & Unified)
Gleason Performance Training
108 Central St., Ansonia
Sat., Nov. 21 only
Unified Volleyball
Vale Co-Op
510 Four Rod Rd., Berlin
Sat., Nov. 21 only
Healthy Athletes® at Unified Sports® Holiday Classic
As part of the Unified Sports® Holiday Classic, Special Olympics Connecticut will once again offer free health screenings, education, and wellness resources through its nationally recognized Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® program. Licensed medical professionals, healthcare practitioners, and students will volunteer their time to support athletes’ overall health and well-being through Healthy Habits Education for athletes competing in bocce and softball.
Unified Sports® Holiday Classic Special Events
Opening Ceremonies
A dynamic celebration with a ceremonial lighting of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope.
- Saturday, November 21
- Volleyball at Vale Co-Op - Berlin
- Bowling at Lucky Strike - Milford
- Bowling at Circle Lanes - East Haven
- Basketball at Quinnipiac University - Hamden
- Powerlifting at Gleason Performance Training - Ansonia
- Sunday, November 22
- Bowling at Lucky Strike - Milford
- Bowling at Circle Lanes - East Haven
- Basketball at Quinnipiac University - Hamden
Volunteer at Unified Sports® Holiday Classic
Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics Connecticut's Unified Sports® Holiday Classic. We have a variety of ways you can help make this event come to life. This event is open to the public and volunteers, spectators, and supporters are always welcome. Volunteer information and sign-up links will be added under the sports listed below once registration has opened.
Date: Saturday, November 21 – Sunday, November 22
Location: Quinnipiac University
Address: 275 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT
Volunteer info and sign-up links will be added once registration has opened.
Date: Saturday, September 19 – Sunday, September 20
Locations & Addresses:
Lucky Strike
1717 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT
- Traditional Bowling – November 21
- Team & Unified Bowling – November 22
Circle Lanes
525 Main Street, East Haven, CT
- Traditional Bowling – November 21
- Unified Bowling – November 22
Volunteer info and sign-up links will be added once registration has opened.
Date: Saturday, November 21
Location: Gleason Performance Training
Address: 108 Central Street, Ansonia, CT
Volunteer info and sign-up links will be added once registration has opened.
Date: Saturday, November 21
Location: Vale Co-Op
Address: 510 Four Rod Road, Berlin, CT
Volunteer info and sign-up links will be added once registration has opened
Registration Info for Coaches
Registration details will be added for each sport listed below once available, including important deadlines and downloadable resources. Please review your sport’s information carefully and use the provided PDF and Excel links to complete registration requirements on time. Please contact Emily Pitney if you would like a personalized Google doc.
Date: Saturday, November 21 – Sunday, November 22
Location: Quinnipiac University
Address: 275 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT
Registration info will be added once available.
Date: Saturday, November 21 – Sunday, November 22
Locations & Addresses:
Lucky Strike
1717 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT
- Traditional Bowling – November 21
- Team & Unified Bowling – November 22
Circle Lanes
525 Main Street, East Haven, CT
- Traditional Bowling – November 21
- Unified Bowling – November 22
Registration info will be added once available.
Date: Saturday, November 21
Location: Gleason Performance Training
Address: 108 Central Street, Ansonia, CT
Registration info will be added once available.
Date: Saturday, November 21
Location: Vale Co-Op
Address: 510 Four Rod Road, Berlin, CT
Registration info will be added once available.
Our Sponsors
Our sponsors play a vital role in making these events possible. Through their generous support and commitment to inclusion, they help provide meaningful opportunities, memorable experiences, and resources that empower our athletes, partners, and communities to thrive.
