Ken Bowes
Board of Directors Chair
Beau Doherty
Special Olympics Connecticut President
Special Olympics athletes had many opportunities to demonstrate their resilience, dedication and hope in 2021. 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.
In 2021, we returned to in-person practices and competitions after more than a year of virtual-only activities. By the time warmer weather had arrived, many of our local programs - thanks to their dedicated coaches - were back at practice. 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. 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!
This year we celebrated Eunice Kennedy Shriver's Centenarian Milestone - her 100th Birthday! We looked to her for examples of perseverance and overcoming obstacles as we navigated a difficult year. Like Mrs. 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.
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.
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.
2021 proved that remarkable things happen - even in the face of fear and uncertainty. That is when champions, like our athletes - and everyone who is part of the Special Olympics movement, rise up and shine the most.
Ken Bowes
Chairman, Special Olympics Connecticut Board of Directors
Beau Doherty
President, Special Olympics Connecticut
