March 2012
Feature Story
Important News
Stars of the Month
Upcoming Events
Sports Department News
Development Department News
Eastern Regional News
Northwest Regional News
Southwest Regional News
Advancement
Board of Directors
Connecticut Association of Schools Unified Sports School Based Program
Feature Story
Join us for our 30th Annual Winter Games
The anticipation is building as athletes and partners train and prepare for the 2012 Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games which will take place on Saturday, March 3rd and Sunday, March 4th. Spectators welcome! For more information, go to www.soct.org or call 800-443-6105.
Sports, locations and schedules include:
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Location: Connecticut Light & Power, 34 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury (Rte. 10/202) - Parade of Athletes – 9:30 a.m.; Opening Ceremonies - 10 a.m. (Saturday)
- Competition – 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Saturday); 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday)
- Awards – 12:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Saturday); 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday)
Figure Skating and Speed Skating
Location: International Skating Center of Connecticut, 1375 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury - Opening Ceremonies – 10 a.m. (Saturday)
- Competition for Figure Skating – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Saturday); 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Sunday)
- Awards for Figure Skating – 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. (Sunday)
- Competition for Speed Skating – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday); 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sunday)
- Awards for Speed Skating – 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Sunday)
Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding
Location: Ski Sundown, 126 Ratlum Road, New Hartford - Opening Ceremonies – 9:30 a.m.
- Competition – 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Saturday); 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday)
- Awards – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday); 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday)
Unified® and Traditional Floor Hockey
Location: Pratt & Whitney Hangar, East HartfordLocated off Silver Lane and can be accessed through Cabella’s parking lot - Opening Ceremonies – 9 a.m. (Saturday)
- Competition – 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday); 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Sunday)
- Awards – 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Sunday)
SOCT's Cross Country and Snowshoeing
2012 Winter Games Committee!
These dedicated and dynamic volunteers, pictured here with SOCT staff members Laurie-Jean Hannon, Katie Femiak and Sue Mohr, are from Presenting Sponsor Companies Connecticut Light & Power, Yankee Gas and Western Massachusetts Electric (Northeast Utilities Companies).
They are working hard to prepare for SOCT's upcoming winter weekend of competition. They will run the Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing events at Connecticiut Light & Power in Simsbury and assist with Skating and other activites going on March 3rd and 4th. We are very grateful for their outstanding, ongoing support!
Longtime Special Olympics Law Enforcement Volunteers Named Co-Directors of Torch Run Council
Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) has appointed Lieutenant Donald Crabtree of the Wethersfield Police Department, and Todd Pelazza, Director of Public Safety at Fairfield University, as volunteer Co-Directors of its Law Enforcement Torch Run Council, the leadership body that oversees statewide law enforcement activities that support the organization and its more than 13,000 athletes and partners. These activities include the Law Enforcement Torch Run, an annual three-day Run that officers from across the state participate in to raise awareness and gain support for Special Olympics, and year-round law-enforcement-driven fundraising events. Both Crabtree and Pelazza are longtime Special Olympics Connecticut volunteers, who’ve demonstrated outstanding commitment to furthering the organization’s mission of inspiring acceptance, opportunity and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport.
Important News
Calling all coaches...
Mark your calendars for some upcoming Coaches Training Schools!!!
Aquatics Training
Monday, April 2
Click here for more information and to complete the application.
2nd Annual Coaches Training Day
This year is better then ever, we are offering 10 different sports!!
Sunday, April 15
Click here for more information and to complete the application.
A warm welcome to SOCT's newest staff members...
Nora Mason, Northwest Regional Director Special Olympics Connecticut welcomes Nora J. Mason as the Regional Director of its Northwest Region office in Southbury. Mason will be responsible for managing all phases of the regional program, including community-based Special Olympics programs in the area, year-round sports training and regional competitions, and fundraising initiatives and partnerships that will further the organization’s mission of inspiring acceptance and respect for individuals of all abilities.
Although new to this role, Mason has a long association with Special Olympics. She has served as Vice President of Regional Services, Southwest Regional Director and Vice President of Sports, Director of Competition for Special Olympics Connecticut previously. She was also the Deputy Director of Volunteer Services and Deputy Director of Games Operations when the Special Olympics World Summer Games came to New Haven in 1995.
“I am thrilled to be coming back home to Special Olympics. Special Olympics brings those with and without disabilities to the playing field to participate in much more than sports. Sport is the vehicle for growth, fitness, pride and personal achievement for all who take part in this movement, whether one participates as an athlete, partner, coach, volunteer or staff member,” said Mason.
Jay Andronaco, Director of Development, Southwest Region
Jay Andronaco joins Special Olympics Connecticut as the Director of Development for its Southwest Region Office in Trumbull. Andronaco’s responsibilities will include engaging supporters and sponsors, securing grants, and organizing fundraising events to further the organization’s mission of inspiring acceptance and respect for individuals of all abilities through sport. Andronaco is a seasoned marketing, management and sales professional, with a strong appreciation of athletics, which his professional experience reflects. Most recently, Andronaco was the Principal Owner of Non-Stop Marketing & Promotions, a company he founded in 2002 to support businesses in the sports/retail and consumer packaged goods industries. Prior to that, he was Account Manager at Integrated Merchandising Systems (Stamford), Marketing & Event Manager for Reed Exhibitions’ PGA of America Golf Trade Shows (Norwalk), and Account Manager at Colangelo Synergy Marketing (Darien). He has also held marketing, media relations and account management positions at Millsport (Stamford), Acclaim Entertainment/Sports (Glen Cove, NY) and World Wrestling Entertainment (Stamford).
“Being an athlete my entire life, I know how important athletics have been to my overall growth, and with that, I believe strongly in mission of Special Olympics Connecticut. I look forward to working with the staff, athletes, volunteers, sponsors and donors to continue the mission and benefit people with intellectual disabilities through sports,” Andronaco said.
Big Thanks to our friends from TD Bank!!
Friends from TD Bank kindly invited a group from Special Olympics Connecticut to join them for a recent Rangers-Bruins hockey game which took place at TD Garden in Boston. Our most sincere thanks to Joe Culos (FR, 3rd from R), Beth Cozzolino (next to Joe) and Matt Cuddy (BR, far right) from TD Bank for this amazing opportunity and for the wonderful support that they and their colleagues provide to SOCT. A fantastic time was had by all!
Mark your calendars – The 2012 Hall of Fame is quickly approaching!!
This "can't miss" event is being held on Wednesday, March 21st at the Aqua Turf Country Club in Plantsville. Don’t miss this spectacular event where athletes,volunteers and sponsors are recognized for their many years of dedication!
Invitations were mailed out in mid-February. If you did not receive one and would like to attend, please contact Kelli Bigelow at kellib@soct.org or at (203) 230-1201, extension 276.
Congratulations to all of the award winners. Click here to see who won!
Stars of the Month
Bob Lapuk
In Memory
With the passing of Bob Lapuk on January 27, 2012, a small chapter of Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) history has concluded. In the late 1970's, Bob and his wife Lee were members of the then Bill Moriarty Greater Hartford Area Management Team of Special Olympics.
In those early years, our involvement was on a small scale but we prevailed and carried on the program in fundraising, athlete training and sporting events. Bob played a significant role in every aspect of the management team not only as a volunteer, coach, and parent, but in constructing and overseeing all of the required equipment for the events.
Having retired from his engineering structural firm in 1994, Bob volunteered his many skills to repair and maintain all the sporting equipment housed in our warehouse at our former location in Plainville.
The SOCT Headquarters moved to our present location in Hamden in December 1996. The warehouse was in need of shelving for the storage of sports equipment and miscellaneous items for Special Olympics programs. Bob spent hundreds of hours constructing the shelving which is still used. In addition, he designed and constructed 100 - 3' by 4' interlocking plywood barriers for our floor hockey events held in the Pratt & Whitney airplane hangar in East Hartford. Also, Bob volunteered for many years selling hot dogs at the annual Madison Penguin Plunge.
On occasions, Bob would express his appreciation of the vision and determination Eunice Shriver had in the founding of Special Olympics in the 1960's. He praised the organization for the opportunity that was presented to his son Keith, not only in sports, but also socially, in the many friendships he developed, the numerous opportunities to travel, and the growth in his personal life.
A tireless worker who took great pride in all his endeavors, Bob showed great enthusiasm in every project that was necessary to assist in athletic events. His sense of humor, his smile, his devotion and his personality will not be forgotten.
So Bob, you now have joined Eunice and Sargaret Shriver in the Special Olympics arena in Heaven. With all your accomplishments and dedication to the growth of SOCT, we salute you as a dear departed member of our Special Olympics family.
Having worked alongside you for approximately ten years, you have earned the highest echelon in the Unsung Heroes.
From one former Marine to another, Semper Fi!
Thanks for the memories.
Your Buddy,
Norman Hanenbaum
Whelen Engineering has been a sponsor of the law enforcement torch run for 10 years. In addition to providing financial support, they host a kick-off rally at their facility for leg 8 which continues down the Connecticut shoreline. Whelen employees join in with a walk and escort the runners as the leg begins.
In 2006, Whelen provided their company jet to transport Connecticut athletes to the National Games in Ames, Iowa. In 2009, Whelen Engineering was a presenting sponsor at the Law Enforcement Torch Run International Conference held at Foxwoods Resort and Casino and in 2010, Whelen graciously offered up their campus in Chester as the venue for the 1st annual Ride for the Flame cycling event. The 3rd annual Ride for the Flame will be held on June 24th. Whelen is a great partner and we are fortunate to have John Olson, President and Anne Niles, Director of Advertising on our team. Thank you to team Whelen for all they do for Special Olympics Connecticut athletes and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Upcoming Events
Events are added daily. For an updated list of all of our events, please visit the SOCT calendar:
Competition Events click here.
Special Events click here.
Sports Department News
Unified Triathlon
This new sport will take place on Sunday, April 29 in North Haven at the community pool, high school track and middle school parking lot. This is a team sport with two athletes and one partner competing as team members. Each team member will choose what leg of the triathlon in which they will complete, whether it is a one-mile run, a 400-meter swim (16 laps) or a 3-mile bike race. For more information contact Laurie-Jean at laurie-jean@soct.org. Registrations will be due in early April. Forms will be distributed at or before the Summer Games coaches meeting.
Reminder: Summer Games Coaches Meeting
The meeting will take place at the CAS/CIAC office building (30 Realty Drive, Cheshire) on Sunday, March 25th begining at 10:00 am. If you or someone from your program cannot attend this meeting, please contact Katie Dennett at Katied@soct.org to make sure you get all the the information discussed at the meeting.
Development Department News
Winsted Penguin Plunge
Thank you to all of the plungers and supporters who made the 9th Annual Winsted Penguin Plunge possible. Eighty plungers raised over $44,000. Thank you to the Winsted community as well as our wonderful sponsors: Northwest Community Bank, Cadco, Doyle’s Medical Supply, Greenwoods Country Club, Highland Lake Watershed Association, Marinos Restaurant, Realty Executives Northwest, Quinico, Town of Winchester, Winchester Fire Department, and the Winchester Police Department.
Madison Penguin Plunge
Thank you to everyone who made the 22nd Annual Madison Penguin Plunge such a success!! Over 260 plungers braved the frigid waters of Long Island Sound in support of Special Olympics Connecticut and over $77,000 was raised! A big thank you to all of the plungers, our volunteers and our sponsors: The Madison Foundation, The Source, Guilford Savings Bank, NBC Connecticut, 99.1 WPLR, Clinton Volunteer Fire Department, Connecticut Water, Divers Cove, First Niagara Bank, Madison Auto Body, State Farm LaTorre-Osterling Agency and Hammonasset Beach State Park.
Dream Cruise Sock Hop
Put your dancing shoes on and join us for the first-ever Dream Cruise Sock Hop, Saturday, April 14th from 7-11 PM at Papa's Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in New Britain. The evening will feature music by the Sharades, a best dressed contest, food, a raffle, and more! Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased by visiting www.facebook.com/papasdodgejeep or calling 1-888-614-9028.
Over the Edge
Have you got what it takes to go Over the Edge? Special Olympics Connecticut is taking fundraising to new heights this year! Each participant must raise $1,000 to have the opportunity to rappel off of some of Connecticut's most recognizable buildings! Visit www.soct.org to find a date and location near you!
Law Enforcement Torch Run
2012 is off to an exciting start for the Law Enforcement Torch Run! The annual kick-off breakfast was held at Maneeley's in South Windsor on Thursday, February 16th. Officers joined together to recognize accomplishments of 2011 and to discuss this year's focus, as the Law Enforcement Torch Run works to reach "Just one more".
The Law Enforcement Torch Run Council recognized the hard work and dedication of outgoing Torch Run Director Sergeant Luis Rosa of the Connecticut State Police and
welcomed its two new co-directors, Director Todd Pelazza of the Fairfield University Department of Public Safety and Lieutenant Don Crabtree of the Wethersfield Police Department.
Congratulations to this year's award recipients:
2011 Rookie of the Year: Darien Police Department
2011 Comeback Player of the Year: Wethersfield Police Department
2011 Volunteer of the Year: Chief Joseph Dooley, Southern Connecticut State University Police Department
2011 Athlete of the Year: Alison Smith
2011 Hall of Fame Inductee: Detective Dave Marinelli, Wolcott Police Department
2011 International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Award (IACLEA): Fairfield University Department of Public Safety
2011 Connecticut State Police Award: Beacon Falls Resident State Trooper's Office
2011 Joel Kent Tip-a-Cop Award: Norwalk Police Department
2011 Department of Correction Award: York Correctional Institute
2011 Connecticut Police Chief's Association Award: South Windsor Police Department
Thank you to LETR Presenting Sponsors Whelen Engineering, JN Philips, Adams/IGA, and Dream Ride and Supporting Sponsor Poron Cushioning for their continued support. Welcome to the newest Supporting Sponsor Schaller Auto World Fund of the Foundation of Greater New Britain!
Help support your local law enforcement as they aim to reach "Just one more"! Check out the special events calendar at www.soct.org/calendar/special to see when there will be a Tip-a-Cop, Cop-on-Top or other exciting fundraiser in your town and don't miss them as they carry the flame of hope through your town on June 6, 7, and 8!
Eastern Regional News
Past Events
Our Speed Skating Invitational was held in Norwich on February 23rd. Athletes and partners come from the Norwich area and beyond to compete in a variety of events. The Speed Skating Invitational Event is always a great time for friendship, hard work and awesome skating.
New London Penguin Plunge Success!
We would like to thank everyone who made the New London Plunge such a success. 280 brave Penguins (and a few chickens!) took the Plunge, raising over $65,000 for Special Olympics Connecticut. With temperatures in the 40’s, it was a great day for a dip in the ocean. Check out some articles and photos below by clicking on their title.
The New London Day
Patch.com
For photos from the event, click here!
We would also like to thank our generous sponsors for their continued support.
Without the help of our many volunteers, this event would not be possible. A special thanks goes out to the US Navy Sub Base New London, Chelsea Groton Bank, UCONN Community Service Days, Kohl’s Associates in Action, Colchester Youth Services, Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, and the many others who make this day go so smoothly! As always, the entire staff at Ocean Beach Park and the City of New London have again outdone themselves in being very generous hosts of the annual event.
Up Coming Events
March 10, 2012-The 33rd Windham Invitational Special Olympics Swim Meet will be hosted at Windham High School in Willimantic, CT from 9 am - 4:30 pm. Approximately 150 participant, representing eight teams from Connecticut and Massachusetts will take part in the 33rd Annual Swimming Event. Over 300 volunteers, including various civic organizations, as well as individuals from the community will be needed to help support this event. For more information please contact: Geri White at 860-377-4103 or email gkayak@gmail.com . Additional information, including volunteer registration, a video and photos from previous meets are available on the swim meet website, click here to go directly to the website!
April 28th- Soccer Qualifier
o University of Connecticut – Storrs Campus
May 12th -Regional Games I
o Athletics at Hartford Public High School
o Aquatics at The University of Hartford
May 19th- Regional Games II
o Stonington High School
Up-Coming Meetings
March 6th- Local Coordinator Meetings
o CSC Cafeteria, 55 Hartland Ave, East Hartford, CT
March 8th- Local Coordinator Meetings
o Norwich – Eastern Region Office
We hope all local coordinators can attend. Emails will be sent with more details. Please R.S.V.P.
SOCT Night with the CT Whale
Catch the last home game of the season on April 13th as the CT Whale take on the Manchester Monarchs at 7:00pm at the XL Center in Hartford. Tickets are on sale for $12 and are available by contacting the Eastern Region Office. Click here for order form. Deadline to order tickets is April 1, 2012.
SOCT Day with the New Britain Rock Cats
Batter up! SOCT Night with the New Britain Rock Cats will take place on Tuesday, June 26th as the Rock Cats take on the Trenton Thunder – affiliate to the New York Yankees. Tickets are available for $5.50 with 50% of proceeds going back to SOCT. To purchase tickets, contact the Eastern Region office no later than June 10th. Kids 12 and under eat FREE! Check out all the details on our Facebook page by clicking here.
Please contact the Eastern Region office at 860-887-1555 if you would like to have anything included in our regional news in any of the upcoming newsletters. We would love to hear from you!
Northwest Regional News
Traditional Basketball Invitational
The Traditional Basketball Invitational will take place on March 24th at Holy Cross High School and the surrounding schools in the Waterbury area. Special thanks to ALL the students from Holy Cross that are volunteering their time to make this event a huge success and most importantly the event director, Ed Generali. We are expecting to have over 25 traditional teams this year! Good luck to all the athletes!!!!
Aquatics Invitational
The Aquatics Invitational is coming back to Watertown High School this year!! The date is set for April 21st. Intents for this event are due on March 22nd and registrations are due on April 4th. Click here for the registration packet. For more information, please contact Rebecca Brookshire at rebeccab@soct.org or 203-267-6566
Aquatics Coaches Training
Northwest Region is hosting an Aquatics Coaches Training on April 2nd at Crosby High School located in Waterbury. Registration for this training is due on March 28th. Click here for the registration form and return to Rebecca at the Northwest Region.
Recruiting at Kaynor Tech for the Middlebury/Waterbury, CT Plunge
During the lunch waves at Kaynor Tech, recruitment for penguins took place. Sharon Pelkey, Director of Development said, “I am amazed at the turn out. We had over 60 students commit to taking the plunge with us on March 11th at Lake Quassy in Middlebury. For more information regarding registration and plunge start time, please visit our website www.soct.org under the Penguin Plunge link.
Farmington Plunge Recap
The FAVARH group taking the plunge on January 29th at Winding Trails. Over $51,000 was raised and 283 penguins braved the cold water of Lake Dunning. Thank you to all who participated and those who came out and supported. Thank you to our sponsors Winding Trails, Quinoco, Unionville Lions Club and the many volunteers who made this event possible.
Danbury Plunge – DATE CHANGE – The new date will be March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day. Come out, and wear green and plunge with us.
2012 Karting Challenge
Join us for the 2012 Karting Challenge to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut at Lime Rock Park on May 22, 2012. Click on the link for more information on how to be a part of this fun filled event.
Law Enforcement Torch Run News
Congratulations to Detective Marinelli of the Wolcott Police Department. He was inducted into the Law Enforcement Hall of Fame at the Annual Kick-Off Breakfast on February 16, 2012.
Southwest Regional News
Southwest Region would like to welcome Jay Andronaco, Director of Development. He can be reached at (203)380-9990 ext. 604, jaya@soct.org
Chili Festival - March 3, 2012
Milford Yacht Club
The Annual Milford Yacht Club Police & Firefighter Chili Festival to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut will be held on Saturday, March 3, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Milford Yacht Club, 131 Trumbull Avenue, Milford. The event is being organized by Officer Jeff Nielsen and members of the Milford Police Department. For tickets or more
information, contact Officer Nielsen at (203) 783-4739.
Peguin Plunge - Westport Compo Beach - March 10, 2012
Registration - 11 am
Plunge - 1 pm
Minimum donation to plunge is $75
Sign up for the Annual Westport Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics and show your support for the courageous and dedicated athletes who train and compete in sports all year long. Register online at www.soct.org/penguinplunges/westport. To request a registration packet or receive information about sponsoring the event, contact Special Olympics at 203-380-9990 ext. 604 or jaya@soct.org. Attire should be a bathing suit, team jersey or costume. Event t-shirts will be provided. Towels and water shoes are recommended. Registration and signed waiver forms are required and the minimum donation to plunge is $75. (Waivers for those under 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian.) Spectators are strongly encouraged to attend and cheer on the plungers! Sponsors for this event are: Bob’s Discount Furniture, USI Insurance Services of CT and The Hanover Insurance Group. 95.9 The Fox, the radio sponsor for the event, will provide music and announcements. There will be hot soup, chili and hot beverages.
Advancement
Planned Giving
An athlete's future can begin today… Create a legacy of acceptance & inclusion. Please consider Special Olympics in your will or estate plan. For more information about Special Olympics Planned Giving opportunities click here.
The Champion, News for Champions of the Movement
The Champion, News for Champions of the Movement, is a Quarterly Newsletter. To subscribe to The Champion, please contact Liza Nolan by e-mail at lizan@soct.org or by phone at 203.230.1201 ext 241.
To read page one of this newsletter, click here.
Click here to read page two!
Board of Directors
Annual Board Meeting
Special thanks to Chairman Rick Allen who ran the Annual Board Meeting on January 31st at Quinnipiac University. Special guests included David Kochman and Ed Prokop who discussed the SOAR (Special Olympics Advocacy Resource) Program to help SOCT athletes with legal matters and life skills. Thank you to Ken Bowes, Nancy Dennin, Steve Flynn, Lisa Kovlakas, Tom Krywinski, John Riccardi and Bonnie Smith for attending.
Next Board Meeting
The next full Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 17th at 7:00 pm. Please mark your calendars!
Connecticut Association of Schools Unified Sports School Based Program
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