Special Olympics Connecticut will continue the celebration of its 50th anniversary and host its Unified Sports Holiday Classic, presented by the Connecticut Elks Association, on Saturday, Nov. 17 and Sunday, Nov. 18. All are welcome to come out and cheer on the participants of all ages and abilities from across the state who will compete in basketball, bowling, powerlifting and volleyball.
Sports, times and locations for the holiday classic include:
Basketball at Quinnipiac University, located at 275 Mount Carmel Ave. in Hamden, Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. with opening ceremonies at 9:45 a.m., and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bowling at Bowlero, located at 1717 Boston Post Rd. in Milford and AMF Circle Lanes, located at 525 Main St. in East Haven. On Saturday and Sunday, the morning session opening ceremonies starts at 9 a.m., and the competition and awards run from 9:15 a.m. to noon. The afternoon session’s opening ceremonies are at 1 p.m.; competition and awards are from 1:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. On Sunday, the morning session opening ceremonies are 9 a.m.; Competition and Awards, 9:15 a.m. to noon
Powerlifting at Gleason Performance Training, located at 38 Commerce St. in Derby. This even is on Sunday only, with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. and the competition and awards from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Volleyball at Hamden Hall Country Day School Skiff Street Athletic Complex, located at 225 Skiff St. in Hamden. On Saturday, the opening ceremonies are at 9 a.m.; competition and awards run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Sunday, opening ceremonies are at 9 a.m.; competition and awards run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event brings individuals with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team to inspire inclusion and friendship. More than 2,000 athletes (with intellectual disabilities) and Unified partners (their teammates without intellectual disabilities) who’ve completed a minimum of eight weeks practicing their respective sport are expected to participate.
There is no cost to attend and watch the competitions that will take place at all Holiday Classic venues. For more information, visit soct.org, call 203-230-1201 or email specialolympicsct@soct.org.