Over 2,500 Athletes from Across the State to Compete in the Special Olympics Connecticut 2013 Summer Games,

Special Olympics Connecticut will hold its annual Summer Games, presented by United Technologies Corporation, Friday through Sunday, June 7, 8 and 9 at Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, and Hamden Hall, Hamden. Opening Ceremonies will take place on Friday, June 7 at 7:15 p.m. at the Jess Dow Field on the Southern Connecticut State University campus. Summer Games competitions and awards presentations will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday (June 7), 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday (June 8) and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday (June 9). For more information, detailed schedules, maps, and parking information, visit www.soct.org and click on Summer Games, email specialolympicsct@soct.org, or call 203-230-1201. All are welcome to attend Opening Ceremonies and all of the Summer Games sporting events at no cost to be inspired and cheer on the athletes of all abilities who will be participating. Over 2,500 athletes and Unified Sports® partners from across the state are expected to compete in track & field, cycling, gymnastics, swimming, soccer and tennis events. In addition to the competitors, more than 500 coaches and about 2,800 volunteers are expected to support the event. Connecticut law enforcement officers will participate in Summer Games Opening Ceremonies to help kick-off the event, after collectively running over 530 miles through more than 100 Connecticut cities and towns June 5 - 7 in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which aims to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. Summer Games is the culminating event for athletes who’ve trained for a minimum of eight weeks in their respective sport and have completed trials and preliminary competitions at regional events. The event aims to showcase skills and athletic performances of Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners (those without disabilities who train with their peers with intellectual disabilities); portray good sportsmanship and teamwork; and inspire an atmosphere of respect and recognition for individuals of all abilities. Of Special Olympics Connecticut’s more than 70 annual sporting events, Summer Games is the largest. In addition to sports competitions, health screenings – that check teeth, feet, eyes, ears - will be conducted throughout the weekend to promote wellness as part of the Healthy Athletes initiative. An elaborate line-up of entertainment and social activities are also planned. Athletes and guests can also visit, Olympic Town, an area on the Summer Games campus where all can enjoy educational, cultural, interactive and creative activities. For a fourth consecutive year, Special Olympics Connecticut is also partner with the organization Athletes for a Fit Planet to “green” Summer Games and reduce the environmental impact of the event through recycling and sustainability efforts. In addition to United Technologies Corporation, sponsors include: Campus Customs, Knights of Columbus, TD Bank and Team ESPN – Gold Sponsors; American Medical Response, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Covidien, Foxwoods Resort Casino, HCC Global Financial Products and LAMAR Outdoor Advertising – Silver Sponsors; Geico and First Transit – Bronze Sponsors; and Walter Camp Football Foundation and American Legion, Contributing Sponsors. Media Sponsors are NBC Connecticut, the New Haven Register, and Clear Channel Community Access Radio. ------------------------------------------------------- Special Olympics Connecticut – Celebrating 45 Years Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for close to 15,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and Unified Sports® partners - their teammates without disabilities. Through the joy of sport, the Special Olympics movement transforms lives and communities throughout the state and in 170 countries around the world by inspiring inclusion and respect for all people, on and off the playing field.