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title: July 2025 SOCT Newsletter
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| View in browser Special Olympics Connecticut Newsletter July 2025 More Summer Games Moments that Made Us Smile Summer Games, presented by Pratt & Whitney, was one to remember from its start to the finish line. There was much to celebrate and so many moments we won’t soon forget. Re-live some of the magic made possible for over 2,150 athletes, Unified partners, and coaches through the dedication of over 1,700 volunteers and the generosity of our sponsors by watching the video. View Video Athletes Take on Role of "Teacher" as Standardized Patients Special Olympics Connecticut and Quinnipiac University have partnered to provide hands-on training for students on how to treat people with intellectual disabilities. Athlete and Board Member Kimberly Malan attended a recent event and detailed her experience playing the part of Tracy with a rolled ankle. View Full Story Here Kortlandt Rejoins SOCT Board of Directors We're pleased to announce that Catherine Kortlandt has rejoined the Special Olympics Connecticut Board of Directors. Kortlandt previously served on the Board from 2013 through 2024. During this time, she held the position of Vice Chair twice and was Board Chair from 2015 to 2016. She and her husband are also recipients of Special Olympics Connecticut's President's Award and Eunice Murtha Award for Philanthropy. More on Kortlandt’s Return Unified Sports® Director to Retire “My goal is other people’s success. I think if we can all live like that, everyone can accomplish more and have a better frame of mind as a result.” Robert "Bob" Hale, the Director of Special Olympics Unified Sports® in schools, is stepping into retirement at the end of this academic year. Hale played a pivotal role in fostering inclusion in Connecticut schools since 2019 through our partnership with CIAC, leading a team of five people who run the statewide school-based Unified Sports program. Hale’s Retirement Remarks Elks' Exceptional Support for Special Olympics Recognized Near and Far Members of the Connecticut Elks Association continue to show the true impact of a Year-Round Partner Sponsor. A relationship rooted in 28 years of service has reached new heights recently. Since May, they’ve completed a 120-mile fundraising trek, volunteered at Summer Games, and proudly represented SOCT at their National Convention—all in unwavering support of our athletes. Elks Go the Distance Check Over the Edge Off your Bucket List On Friday, August 29, rappel 30+ stories down Mohegan Sun’s Sky Tower to help create a more inclusive world for individuals with intellectual disabilities. No experience needed, just your sense of adventure and your passion for inclusion. Use promo code BUCKETLIST to waive the registration fee! Please note: a fundraising minimum applies, and we’ll support you every step of the way to help you reach it. Don’t wait! Your bucket list moment is waiting! Register Now or Donate to the Cause Noteworthy News The 12th Annual Swing Fore Special Olympics CT Golf Tournament presented by friends Charity Cycling Challenge, Inc. took place at the Southington Country Club on June 21st. The event benefited our Special Olympics Bristol and West Hartford local programs and athletes from both attended to thank the golfers. Officers with the DMHAS Police Department teamed up with employees at Jersey Mike’s of Middletown to present Spirit Week, June 22nd to 28th. During the promotion, proceeds from sales were designated to support SOCT so patrons could donate to “Make a Difference in Someone’s Life!” SOCT was well represented at this year’s Travelers Championship with Unified teammates and brothers Jack and Ryan Miner and Board Member Kristi Kahn participating in the Celebrity Mini Golf Tournament and SOCT President Mike Mason, staff members, and Global Messengers on hand to share the mission of Special Olympics. Gilmartin Elementary School hosted Waterbury’s first Special Olympics Unified Sports® Elementary Day, offering participants from four area schools the opportunity to come together to enjoy activities that included cornhole, bowling, and an obstacle course. Kindness and inclusion were on display as teammates encouraged each other to succeed. Free Resources to Care for Loved Ones To show our appreciation for all you’ve done for Special Olympics Connecticut, we would like to offer you something in return. Something we hope will have a positive impact on you and your family. If you’re like many people, creating or updating your will, trust, and other important documents is something that often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. But planning can help you care for your loved ones and offer significant peace of mind. And it doesn’t have to be complicated.   We hope our free publications will help you get started. Some of the information available includes: •    Considerations for taking care of a loved one with special needs, parents, or elder family members •    Tips for choosing an executor •    Creating an Advance Care Directive •    Why you need a digital estate plan Click Here for Planned Giving Resources Year-Round Partner Sponsors Year-Round Suppliers Donate Now Visit Website Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517, USA, 203 230 1201 Unsubscribe Manage preferences |
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