Organization: Special Olympics Connecticut
Special Olympics Connecticut works at addressing inactivity, injustice, intolerance and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities which leads to a more welcoming and inclusive society.
Location: 2666 State Street, Hamden, CT 06517
What is the mission of your organization?
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Special Olympics Connecticut provides sports, health and fitness programs to more than 12,000 athletes of all abilities across our state.
What do you love about your organization?
You can see the impact that our athletes’ involvement has – in their development, in their smiles, in the inclusion and acceptance they receive from their peers, through the confidence and independence they gain and the personal goals they achieve!
How do you serve the community you represent?
We provide year-round sports, health and fitness programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities (athletes) and their peers without disabilities (Unified Sports® partners) to inspire opportunity, acceptance and inclusion for people of all abilities in our schools and communities.
Our sports programs address social and skill development. We also provide free health screenings and health education to address the medical needs of our athletes and enhance their overall well-being.
How has Chelsea Groton Bank supported the organization?
Chelsea Groton Bank has been a longtime supporter of Special Olympics Connecticut, both financially and with volunteers that help effectively run several of our events in New London County. Having friendly and familiar faces to greet our athletes, volunteers, and event participants is vital to the success of our program. The incredible staff from Chelsea Groton Bank that comes out to support our annual Penguin Plunge are what make the event possible. It is a testament to the importance that Chelsea Groton Bank places on being active and involved in their community.
What do you love most about the organization’s community?
We love that the members of the Special Olympics Connecticut community come together to support and celebrate each other often. Being a part of our organization provides a sense of belonging and “fitting in” and a place where people feel love and acceptance. Life-long friendships are formed, and participants remain involved for many years as they learn, play and grow together!
Interested in learning more about Special Olympics CT and how you can help? Head to https://www.soct.org.
