Presented by The Mohegan Tribe, the first weekend of our annual event brought nearly 1,200 athletes, Unified partners, and volunteers together for bocce, golf, sailing, and softball competition. Healthy Athletes® offered wellness and performance support. The action continues Sept. 20-21 with croquet in Westerly, RI.
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: The Hartford - 5 Fraser Place, Hartford
Be part of a celebration of movement, health, and community with sessions designed to get participants moving and have fun, regardless of fitness level.
Featuring: karate, strength training, Zumba, and more, including a nutrition education station to learn how to make healthy food choices. Lunch is on us, so bring your energy and appetite!
Registration is officially open! Join us on Sunday, Nov. 16 at the Westbrook Elks Lodge for an unforgettable day of icy fun and impact to kick off our 2025-2026 Penguin Plunge season.
Event Day Schedule: 9:00 AM - Registration 11:00 AM - Plunge!
Register now for the coolest fundraiser on the shoreline!
Over the Edge - New Heights, New Records
Our 15th Anniversary of Over the Edge was a record-breaker: 100+ rappelers raised over $180,000 for our athletes! Whether you rappelled, donated, or cheered rappelers on from near and far - THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts (and from the top of Mohegan Sun)!
Save the date for next year’s event: Aug. 28, 2026!
Fun fact: Over 60 people rappelled for the first time. Click the button to read a first-hand account from first-time rappeler, Aedan Heffernan!
We’re thrilled to announce John Niski has been appointed as the new Director of Unified Sports® in schools! From volleyball courts to Unified cornhole and Torch Runs - John brings decades of dedication to his new role. Click the button below to learn how his passion for athletes, Unified partners, and coaches will shape the future of inclusion across the state.
Enfield PD Tip-A-Cop Officers from the Enfield Police Department, restaurant employees, restaurant patrons, and our Global Messengers Logan Rosenberg and John Frazier came together at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers on Sept. 4 for a Tip-A-Cop fundraiser to benefit our athletes.
Unified Long-Distance Runners
Members of our Special Olympics Connecticut Long-Distance Running Team participated in their first race of the season on Labor Day - the Annual Faxon Law New Haven Road Race in New Haven. They team is led by Head Coach Kevin Grimes.
SONA Golf Championship A Connecticut delegation joined 250+ athletes at the Special Olympics North America Golf Championship in PA, Aug. 25-28. Congrats to medalists Remi Pagan, Andrew McMillan, Mike Hedrick, Jack and Ryan Miner, and Michael and David Dennin!
Global Messenger Mystic Day Trip On Aug. 17, 58 Global Messengers, peers, and mentors enjoyed shopping, pizza, and a behind-the-scenes tour at Mystic Aquarium, strengthening leadership skills and friendships along the way.
Special Olympics Vernon Home Run Derby Vernon’s 2nd Annual Home Run Derby on Sept. 6 at Miracle League Field was a hit, with athletes showing off softball skills, plus food trucks, prizes, music, and special guests joining in the fun.
Otis Cornhole Competition On Sept. 9, Otis employees hosted a Unified Cornhole Tournament in Farmington where nine Global Messengers competed, enjoyed lunch, received awards, and celebrated teamwork.
Unified BBQ Global Messengers Aaron Newton and Brandon Knight joined volunteers at DDS’s first-ever Unified BBQ Competition on Sept. 6 at Camp Harkness, showcasing cooking skills while building teamwork and connections.
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
