Special Olympics Connecticut will hold its annual Hall of Fame Dinner on Wednesday, March 23 to recognize its extraordinary athletes, volunteers and sponsors for their dedication, leadership, spirit and support.
Among those being honored is Shelton resident Alison Smith, a Global Messenger and Ambassador for the Special Olympics.
The event will take place at the Aqua Turf Country Club, 556 Mulberry St., Plantsville. Registration will begin at 5 p.m., and the program at 6 p.m.
The event is made possible through the generosity of the Bozzuto and Calvanese families.
The theme of this year’s Hall of Fame is “Everyday Heroes.”
Reservations may be made by calling 203 – 230-1201, ext. 276 or emailing kellib@soct.org.
The cost is $25 per person or $250 for a table of ten. To find out more, visit www.soct.org.
This year’s Hall of Fame award recipients include:
Hall of Fame
Individuals or groups who have made contributions of time and resources that have significantly impacted Special Olympics Connecticut
Eunice Murtha Award –Susan Joy Gabrielson, Mystic
Community Leadership Award – TD Bank, Hartford
Lew Perkins Coach Award – Lois Banda, Oakville
Sheila Schmidt Award – Nicholas Foligno, Bristol
Bozzuto Family Award – The Dilger Family, Waterbury
Susan Saint James Award (for leadership skills) – Dr. Susan Danberg, North Haven
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award – Alison Smith, Shelton
Spirit of Life Awards
Special Olympics athletes who exemplify the true spirit and meaning of Special Olympics
Tim Fritz, Manchester
Robin Goewey, Torrington
Tamara Hitchman, Norwalk
Christopher McGrail, Oakville
Jason Vansickle, Danbury
Chris Amadeo, Bethany
Robert Russo, Middletown
Emily Truyan, Middletown
Unsung Hero Awards
Volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes for Special Olympics Connecticut with no expectation of recognition or reward
Donna Clauson, Storrs
Amy Desmarais, Bethel
Isabel DeSousa, Waterbury
Dave Falt, Cheshire
Carlo Guerra, Lebanon
Morty Pear, Middletown
Trudy Segla, Naugatuck
Bobbi Shorthouse, Moodus
Gary Voccio, Cromwell
Dr. Neal Zomback, New Haven
Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for close to 13,000 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. (www.soct.org)