Special Olympics Comes to Weston

Special Olympics Connecticut Southwest Region is recently announced and Westpm Middle School will be the new venue for regional games.

Regional Games will take place on Saturday, May 12. Spokesmen for the Special Olympics anticipate that over 650 athletes including unified partners will participate at this new venue in aquatics, track & field and tennis competitions.  Regional Games activities will include: Opening Ceremonies, lunch, awards presentations and Olympic town, an area offering skills, arts & crafts and games to enjoy during the downtime of the competitions.

Special Olympics Chairman of the Board Rick Allen, board member Steve Flynn, and friend of Special Olympics Dickon Pownall-Gray — all residents of Weston — were instrumental in having this event in their community, according to a press release sent by Marie Domack.

“Not only do our athletes take pride in competing but they gain acceptance, have greater self-esteem and create lifelong friendships,” Allen said.

With confidence and strength they overcome medical challenges, isolation and prejudices to achieve acceptance in the community, he continuted. Not only do the athletes benefit; volunteers who lend a hand at this Special Olympics event discover they receive so much more in return for what they give and are forever inspired. Allen encourages the community to join the Being a Fan movement to cheer on the athletes.  

“I’m looking forward to the excitement along School Road on May 12 and hope many of my Weston neighbors will attend to experience this great day,” Allen said.

Special Olympics mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities; giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with other families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Anyone interested in sponsoring or volunteering can contact Lisa Vane, Regional Director, (203) 380-9990 ext. 601 or e-mail lisav@soct.org. You can also visit the organization's website.