Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics Games on Campus

On Saturday, May 11, the University of Hartford and Hartford Public High School will host the 2013 Special Olympics Connecticut Eastern Regional Games. Approximately 650 athletes, 200 coaches, and hundreds of volunteers will participate in athletics and aquatics events. This is the 10th year that the University of Hartford will host the Games.

More than 400 volunteers will be needed to make the Games a success. Volunteer opportunities are available in both sport and non-sport areas. All registered volunteers will receive lunch and a Games Volunteer T-shirt. Volunteer applications are available by calling 860.887.1555 or by going to www.hartford.edu/soct. Volunteer pre-registration is due by May 4.

Opening Ceremonies for the Games will start at 9 a.m. at the Sports Center. Opening Ceremonies and aquatics competitions will be held at the University and athletics competitions will be held at Hartford Public High School. In addition, both venues will have an Olympic Town area where athletes can enjoy music, dancing, and arts and crafts. The event is free and open to the public.

The 2013 Eastern Regional Games will be the largest regional competition this year and most will advance to the Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games June 7-9 in New Haven. Hoffman Audi is the Presenting Sponsor for the Eastern Regional Games, and Lincoln Waste Solutions is a Silver Medal Sponsor.

More than a dozen University of Hartford staff members serve on the Games’ Organizing Committee. University President Walter Harrison is a strong supporter of Special Olympics Connecticut and has been recognized for his efforts by the organization’s Board of Directors. This year’s co-chairs are Christine Grant and Susan Fitzgerald.

Since 1969, Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) has provided year-round sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities through local, regional and state programs. SOCT serves 7,100 athletes throughout the state. Over 10,000 general volunteers and 1,100 volunteer coaches are involved with SOCT programs statewide.