Shelton Resident Prepares For Special Olympics

CONTRIBUTEDAllyson Portnoy, a Special Olympics athlete from Shelton, is currently training as a member of the bowling team for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey, June 14 – 21.

Scott Goldin, of Shelton, is the coach of the bowling team going to the Games.

The Special Olympics USA Games takes place every four years and this year, will draw close to 3,500 athletes from across the country to compete.

For more information about the Games, visit www.soct.org or www.2014specialolympics.org.

Receiving an invitation to the games is Portnoy’s proudest Special Olympics moment to date, she says. She has participated in Special Olympics for over 20 years and bowled locally prior to that.

During her time with Special Olympics, she has also trained and competed in Track and Field and swimming, for which she has received many medals over the years.

Portnoy, a very sociable and outgoing person, enjoys having the opportunity to be socially integrated and meet new people.

Her favorite part of competing, are the awards ceremonies. No matter what place it is, the well-earned medal always feels like a gold to her. It brings a feeling of purpose that she is able to share with her teammates, according to Portnoy.

The idea of being a three-sport athlete was very far-fetched idea during Allyson’s younger years.

In fact, doctors told her mother that she would never do anything at all.

CONTRIBUTEDIn the words of her mother, ​“They said she can’t … and she can.”

Allyson does everything! Allyson’s goal is complete independence. Allyson embodies the characteristics of a true Special Olympics champion. She has gained self-esteem, purpose, and pride through her sports.

This is something that she is not afraid to share with everybody! As nerve-wracking as the competition is, she is always excited and always has her mom and dad there to watch! 

Special Olympics has kept Allyson very busy, active, and fit. Like many of the other participants, Allyson does not know what to expect going into the Games except that there will be a lot of people there! 

Scott Goldin is the coach of the 2014 Winter Games-bound Special Olympics Connecticut bowling team.

Scott became involved with Special Olympics at the suggestion of his roommate in 2005. The only motivation necessary is how much he enjoys his weekly Saturday practices and the competitions.

Not only does he enjoy giving back, but also enjoys just watching the athletes have fun. He loves creating a personal relationship with the athletes and is inspired just by their participation.

He also dedicates hours to helping the organization as a medical volunteer at many of Special Olympics’ year-round events.

The proudest moment of Scott’s Special Olympics career so far is receiving an award for being an outstanding volunteer during Special Olympics Connecticut’s Hall of Fame Banquet in 2008. Goldin expects the USA Games to be fun and amazing.

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