In 2021, 195 athletes and 47 partners became members of the 1500M Club. Medals were awarded to all who went the distance. Some local programs achieved this as a team, and other athletes pursued this goal individually. Our 1500M Club was established to encourage athletes to walk or hike further than they had ever gone before. They earn awards and incentives for their efforts and healthy practices. Members set goals and strive to improve in three areas: endurance (tracking their steps), nutrition, and hydration. This program provides the platform for individuals to challenge themselves and earn individual and Club rewards.Īmid the challenges presented by COVID-19, some members of our Unified Fitness Club were able to safely gather in small groups to get outdoors and enjoy walks and hikes together. The Special Olympics Connecticut Unified Sports ® Fitness Club brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities and provides opportunities for regular fitness activities to enhance fitness and inspire friendships among participants. In 2021, Ryerson Elementary School of Madison was chosen. We are proud to have 68 schools that have earned this title.ĮSPN selects one Banner school per state each year to be included in its ESPN Honor Roll. Schools receive national recognition and are designated a Unified Champion Banner School ® for their successful promotion of inclusion through three components: Unified Sports ®, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement. Presently, Unified Sports ® is offered in 133 high schools, 84 middle schools, four schools with middle and elementary grades combined, and 64 elementary schools. Sports offered include track & field, soccer, basketball, bowling, Unified Esports, flag football, and corn hole. Beau Doherty, President of Special Olympics Connecticut, conceived the idea of Unified Sports ® and founded the partnership with CIAC to bring the program into Connecticut’s schools in 1992. Special Olympics Unified Sports ® brings individuals with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team to play sports and inspire equity, acceptance, and inclusion for people of all abilities. That is when champions, like our athletes - and everyone who is part of the Special Olympics movement, rise up and shine the most.Ĭhairman, Special Olympics Connecticut Board of Directors We must also recognize the real heroes during these months - the sponsors and donors whose unwavering support allowed us to provide programs and activities that were impactful and life-changing.Ģ021 proved that remarkable things happen - even in the face of fear and uncertainty. Other 2021 milestones included the 35th anniversary of the Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run and the beginning of the 30th year that Special Olympics Connecticut and the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference will be partnering to bring Unified Sports ® into schools across the state, inspiring acceptance and inclusion for all students. Shriver, who remained steadfast in her efforts to create inclusive sports and real competition for people with intellectual disabilities, we remained committed to bringing sports, health, and fitness activities to our athletes as the months unfolded. This year we celebrated Eunice Kennedy Shriver's Centenarian Milestone - her 100 th Birthday! We looked to her for examples of perseverance and overcoming obstacles as we navigated a difficult year. In-person Unified Sports ® Fall Festival and Unified Sports ® Holiday Classic competitions followed, and although limited in size due to COVID-19 guidelines and protocols, these events were spirited and joyful! Athletes were filled with anticipation and excitement as they gathered with members of other teams to compete in a modified, in-person Summer Games event. By the time warmer weather had arrived, many of our local programs - thanks to their dedicated coaches - were back at practice. In 2021, we returned to in-person practices and competitions after more than a year of virtual-only activities. Although the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic persisted, our athletes continued to remain active, athletic, and socially connected through safe, secure, virtual and in-person sports and fitness activities that SOCT offered throughout the year. Special Olympics athletes had many opportunities to demonstrate their resilience, dedication and hope in 2021.
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