Special Olympics of Connecticut
Special Olympics of Connecticut (SOCT) provides year-round athletic training and competition throughout the state for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Olympic-style games take place four times per year, providing ongoing opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to increase physical fitness, demonstrate personal courage and experience the thrill of competition and camaraderie with other athletes, their families and the community.
"We have the Summer Games, the Fall Sports Festival and the Holiday Sports Classic," said Laura Gremelsbacker, SOCT director of public relations, "but there's something really special about the Winter Games... I think it's the snow." CL&P employees work tirelessly to generate snow for the events.
"CL&P is a huge supporter of SOCT," explained Gremelsbacker, "as they've proven through their dedication and commitment over the years." In fact, CL&P is the title sponsor of the SOCT Winter Games, and hosts part of the event at their Simsbury Service Center, including the opening ceremony, as well as the cross-country skiing and snowshoe events.
While CL&P's financial sponsorship makes the Games possible, the efforts of their volunteers have the most impact. CL&P employees form a committee to handle the many details involved with their part of the Winter Games. There's no shortage of volunteers, many of whom are retired but still like to be involved with the Special Olympics event. "It's an amazing turnout," said Gremelsbacker. "None of the SOCT games would happen without all our volunteers, but what makes CL&P stand out is how involved they are in every aspect of the event, from making the snow, to starting and timing the races and helping out in the food tent. They are truly changing the lives of our athletes, and I think their own lives as well."
It's no wonder then, as Gremelsbacker said, "No matter how cold the weather, the SOCT Winter Games are always the warmest place to be."
