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Community Corner

Special Olympics Will Host Annual Summer Games Event, June 6-8

Special Olympics Connecticut will hold its annual Summer Games, presented by United Technologies Corporation, the weekend of June 6, 7 and 8 at Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, and Hamden Hall, Hamden. Opening Ceremonies will take place on Friday, June 6 at 7:15 p.m. at the Jess Dow Field on the Southern Connecticut State University campus. Summer Games competitions and awards presentations will take place on Friday afternoon and throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. The public is invited to attend Opening Ceremonies and events throughout the weekend to cheer on participating athletes of all abilities and to be inspired. There is no cost to attend. For details, schedules, maps, and parking information, visit www.soct.org and click on Summer Games, email specialolympicsct@soct.org, or call 203-230-1201. And, follow Special Olympics Connecticut at facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsCT and twitter.com/SOCTconnecticut.

Over 2,400 athletes and Unified Sports® partners from across the state are expected to compete in track & field, cycling, gymnastics, swimming, soccer and tennis. In addition to the competitors, 500 coaches and close to 2,800 volunteers are expected to support the event.

Connecticut law enforcement officers will participate in Summer Games Opening Ceremonies to help kick-off the event, after collectively running over 530 miles through more than 100 Connecticut cities and towns June 4- 6 in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, an annual activity that aims to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. 

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Summer Games is the culminating event for athletes who’ve trained for a minimum of eight weeks in their respective sport and have participated in Special Olympics’ Spring Time Trials. The event aims to showcase skills and athletic performances of Special Olympics athletes, demonstrate sportsmanship and teamwork, and inspire an atmosphere of respect and recognition for individuals of all abilities. Of the events Special Olympics Connecticut hosts throughout the year, Summer Games is the largest.

In addition to sports competitions, free health screenings will be offered to athletes by certified volunteer medical practitioners as part of Special Olympics’ Healthy Athletes Program. An elaborate line-up of entertainment and Olympic Town, an area on the Summer Games campus where all can enjoy educational, cultural, interactive and creative activities will also be featured.

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In addition to United Technologies Corporation, sponsors include American Medical Response, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Knights of Columbus, TD Bank and Team ESPN (gold level).

Additional sponsors are Alexion, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Covidien and HCC Global (silver level), and Geico and First Transit (bronze level). Also sponsoring the event are the American Legion, Connecticut Portable Storage and the Walter Camp Football Foundation (supporting sponsors). 

NBC Connecticut, the New Haven Register, and Clear Channel Radio are Summer Games media sponsors.

Special Olympics Connecticut

Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for over 14,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and Unified Sports® partners - their teammates without disabilities. 

Through the joy of sport, the Special Olympics movement transforms lives and communities throughout the state and in 170 countries around the world by promoting good health and fitness and inspiring inclusion and respect for all people, on and off the playing field.

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