Who: Special Olympics Athletes (children and adults with intellectual disabilities) and Unified Partners (their peers without disabilities who train and compete as their teammates), about 400 volunteers and 150 coaches, spectators – all are welcome!
What: The Special Olympics Connecticut 2012 Fall Sports Festival – one of four major state competitions and one of more than 70 competitions and sports events Special Olympics Connecticut hosts annually, statewide
When: Saturday, Sept. 8 and Sunday, September 9, 2012
Softball, Venue I – Connecticut Sportsplex, 150 Foxon Road, North Branford: Opening Ceremonies – 9 a.m.; Competition – 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday
Softball, Venue II - Kennedy Field, 51 Maple Street, East Haven: Opening Ceremonies – 9:15 a.m.; Competition – 8 a.m. to 6: 30 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday
Bocce – Savin Rock, Rock Road, West Haven: Opening Ceremonies – 9:30 a.m.; Competition – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday
Sailing – New England Science & Sailing Foundation, 70 Water Street, Stonington: Parade/Opening Ceremonies – 10 a.m.; Harbor Start – 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and Racing – 9 a.m. and Awards – 1 p.m. on Sunday
Croquet (Saturday only) – Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island: Opening Ceremonies – 10:15 a.m.; Competition – 10:30 a.m. and Awards – 3:15 p.m. on Saturday
Golf (Sunday only) – Sleeping Giant Golf Course, 3931 Whitney Avenue, Hamden: Opening Ceremonies – 1:45 p.m.; Competition – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Why: Throughout the year, Special Olympics athletes across the state train and practice with determination and dedication to prove that people of all abilities can excel at competitive sports. The Fall Sports Festival is one weekend that gives participants the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, realize their goals, enhance their health, develop friendships and be part of an event that inspires support, recognition and celebration for all!
For more information, visit www.soct.org, email specialolympicsct@soct.org or call 203-230-1201. And, follow Special Olympics Connecticut on Facebook and Twitter.
Event sponsors include A.H. Gildersleeve, Gold Sponsor; New England Science & Sailing and The Center for Research, Silver Sponsors; Bic and McGladrey, Bronze Sponsors; Connecticut Section of the PGA and Moose Charities, Supporting Sponsors; Dominion Foundation and 597 Westport, Contributing Sponsors; and Clear Channel Community Access Radio and the New Haven Register, Media Sponsors.
About Special Olympics Connecticut Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for more than 13,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and Unified Partners (their teammates without disabilities). Through a myriad of initiatives throughout the state and the world, Special Olympics is a movement that’s changing attitudes and changing lives by inspiring inclusion, understanding and respect for people of all abilities, in all aspects of life. (www.soct.org)
Partner Sponsors: Adams Hometown Markets/IGA Hometown Supermarkets, Connecticut Light & Power/Yankee Gas/ Western Massachusetts Electric (Northeast Utilities Companies), Law Enforcement Torch Run, NBC Connecticut, TD Bank, and United Technologies.
Year-Round Suppliers: Adams Hometown Markets/IGA Hometown Supermarkets, The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New England, Crystal Rock Water and Coffee Company, Graebel Van Lines, Guida’s Milk and Ice Cream, Marcus Communications, State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Community Service and Worx Branding & Advertising.
