Bethany Athlete to be Honored at Special Olympics Hall of Fame Dinner

From Special Olympics Connecticut:

Special Olympics Connecticut will hold its annual Hall of Fame Dinner on Wednesday, March 23 to recognize its extraordinary athletes, volunteers and sponsors for their dedication, leadership, spirit and support.

Chris Amadeo is an athlete with Special Olympics Connecticut who is receiving the Spirit of Life award. The Spirit of Life award is presented for Special Olympics athletes who exemplify the true spirit and meaning of Special Olympics.

Chris’ passion for sports was clear from the minute he walked on to the basketball court in middle school. The bonds he’s made with his teammates have grown into lasting friendships both on and off the field. Chris not only celebrates the victories of his team but he also encourages them when things don’t go exactly as planned. Chris’ passion and commitment to the Special Olympics Unified Sports and Special Olympics is a beautiful example of how someone with a disability can teach others so much about hard work, perseverance and friendship.

The event will take place at the Aqua Turf Country Club, 556 Mulberry Street, Plantsville. Registration will begin at 5 p.m., and the program at 6 p.m. The event is made possible through the generosity of the Bozzuto and Calvanese families. The theme of this year’s Hall of Fame is “Everyday Heroes.” Reservations may be made by calling 203-230-1201, ext. 276 or emailing kellib@soct.org. The cost is $30 per person or $300 for a table of ten. To find out more, visit www.soct.org.

This year’s Hall of Fame award recipients include:

Hall of Fame – Individuals or groups who have made contributions of time and resources that have significantly impacted Special Olympics Connecticut:

Eunice Murtha Award –Susan Joy Gabrielson, Mystic

Community Leadership Award – TD Bank, Hartford

Lew Perkins Coach Award – Lois Banda, Oakville

Sheila Schmidt Award – Nicholas Foligno, Bristol

Bozzuto Family Award – The Dilger Family, Waterbury

Susan Saint James Award (for leadership skills) – Dr. Susan Danberg, North Haven

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award – Alison Smith, Shelton

Spirit of Life Awards – Special Olympics athletes who exemplify the true spirit and meaning of Special Olympics:

Tim Fritz, Manchester

Robin Goewey, Torrington

Tamara Hitchman, Norwalk

Christopher McGrail, Oakville

Jason Vansickle, Danbury

Chris Amadeo, Bethany

Robert Russo, Middletown

Emily Troyan, Middletown

Unsung Hero Awards - Volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes for Special Olympics Connecticut with no expectation of recognition or reward:

Donna Clauson, Storrs

Amy Desmarais, Bethel

Isabel DeSousa, Waterbury

Dave Falt, Cheshire

Carlo Guerra, Lebanon

Morty Pear, Middletown

Trudy Segla, Naugatuck

Bobbi Shorthouse, Moodus

Gary Voccio, Cromwell

Dr. Neal Zomback, New Haven