Special Olympics CT

Seeking Volunteers

Special Olympics Connecticut/Southwest Region is seeking fundraising volunteers to help support its mission of providing year-round athletic training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics Connecticut Southwest Region, based in Stratford, serves over 2,000 athletes in Fairfield and New Haven counties by providing training in more than 20 Olympic-type sports, and offering its athletes opportunities to compete in such events as a Bowling Invitational and Regional Games. More than 700 athletes attend its Regional Games annually to participate in aquatics, athletics (track & field), gymnastics, and tennis events.

Special Olympics relies on major fundraisers to have the resources needed to hold these events. These fundraisers include its Westport and East Haven Penguin Plunges, the Lilly Awards (an evening to honor extraordinary Connecticut women), and a golf tournament, among others. Volunteers are needed to help plan, organize, and promote these activities.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide 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 changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. In Connecticut, more than 3,400 children and adults benefit from participating in Special Olympics programs, which enhance their physical, social and personal development.

For more information or to attend a volunteer orientation, call 203-380-9990, extension 604, or send email to DebbieH@soct.org. Information about Special Olympics Connecticut can be accessed online at SOCT.org.