Special Olympics Connecticut held its 2012 President’s Awards Reception at Mohegan Sun on November 10th to honor outstanding companies and individuals whose dedication to supporting Special Olympics – and opening people’s hearts and minds to accepting people of all abilities – has made a profound difference in the lives of many. Those honored include: Coca-Cola, ConnectiCare, The Mohegan Tribe, TD Bank, Volunteers Kathy Conger and Tom Kollar and Athlete Lonnie Braxton.
Kathy Conger, of Stonington, has been a supporter and volunteer for Special Olympics Connecticut for the last five years. Conger is the Volunteer Co-Director of the Special Olympics croquet competition at Ocean House during Special Olymipcs’ Fall Sports Festival, a position she’s held for three consecutive years. Conger also maintains Special Olympics Connecticut’s croquet database and coordinates volunteers’ roles and responsibilities for this event. More than 60 athletes from South Windsor, Oxford, North Haven, Groton and North Kingston, Rhode Island participate in this sport. In addition, Conger has been responsible for recruiting volunteers from the Stonington and Mystic area.
Tom Kollar, also of Stonington, is Co-Director of Volunteers for Special Olympics Croquet. Tom is specifically in charge of the official’s database to ensure our new officials are trained by members of the United States Croquet Association. Kollar oversees support services and logistics at the croquet competition.
The Director of Guest services at Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island describes him as one of the hardest working volunteers she has ever seen. Tom’s hard work has paid off, as all the athletes and partners who participate, have learned to love the sport of Unified Golf Croquet.
About Special Olympics Connecticut
Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for more than 13,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and Unified Partners (their teammates without disabilities). Through a myriad of initiatives throughout the state and the world, Special Olympics is a movement that’s changing attitudes and changing lives by inspiring inclusion, understanding and respect for people of all abilities, in all aspects of life. (www.soct.org)
