We are pleased and proud to share that we will be sending a team of athletes, Unified partners, coaches and delegates to participate in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida, June 5th - 12th. We will introduce you to members of the team below and in future issues of this newsletter.
Special Olympics CT athletes who will compete in track & field include Danielle Mola of Special Olympics Danbury, Brandon Knight of Special Olympics Groton, Katya Nardone of Special Olympics Ridgefield, and Anthony Shonti, Paul Kleva and Alex English of Special Olympics Windsor Locks.
Danielle also bowls and plays corn hole and basketball. "It's a great honor to be selected to represent the Connecticut Team...I'm looking forward to meeting new coaches and making new friends and teammates to share this experience with and of course getting to go to Disney," she says.
In addition to running, Brandon enjoys volleyball, basketball, working out and video games. "I look forward to this adventure and have always enjoyed competing in Special Olympics. I will do my best to make Connecticut proud," he says.
Kataya's interests, in addition to track & field, include cheerleading, dancing and cartooning. Her application for the Games states "she likes to compete and she likes to run. The chance to run in an important event is thrilling (for her)."
Along with running great distances, Anthony bowls and plays basketball, floor hockey and croquet. "I look forward to competing and being with friends and making new friends," he shared.
Paul is an active member of the SOCTFit5 group and also participates in snowshoeing, floor hockey, croquet and bowling with Special Olympics. He's looking forward to the USA Games and says, "I get to run with my friends while people cheer me on to run fast. I love running for a crowd."
Along with running Alex bowls and plays floor hockey, croquet and basketball with Special Olympics. He is also a member of our Unified Fitness Club. "I feel that getting the opportunity to attend the USA Games is once in a lifetime. It will be cool to compete with other athletes from all over the country," he shared.
Track & field coaches Kevin Grimes and Mary Jane Hussey are supporting these athletes and will be joining them in attending the USA Games.
We will also send a Unified track & field team from Shelton High School and athletes who will compete in swimming, gymnastics and basketball to the Games. More to come about these athletes! Photos by Chad Lyons.
