Submitted by Mitch Gross, Eversource.
BERLIN, Conn. (February 19, 2020) – In an annual tradition at Eversource, nearly 200 employees from across the company – such as field engineering designers, energy efficiency consultants, line workers, safety representatives, and community relations specialists, among others – are coming together this weekend to support the athletes participating in the 2020 Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games, presented by Eversource. As the driving force behind the exciting competitions in cross-county skiing, snowshoeing, speedskating, and figure skating, these employee volunteers will serve as race starters, course monitors, and results runners, along with helping to escort athletes to their events, present medals or simply cheer them on throughout the weekend.
“We have 60 employees who make up our planning team and they start working on this event months in advance,” said Special Olympics Planning Team Leader and Eversource Manager of Emergency Preparedness Training LuAnn Cataudella. “Some of these volunteers have been part of this effort for upwards of 30 years. I’m proud to say we’ve developed a well-coordinated approach to the games, and we’re so fortunate to have so many co-workers step up to help when the call goes out.”
Eversource Manager of Transmission Projects and Special Olympics volunteer Marissa Flynn has been part of the Games since 2006 and looks forward to them every year.
“You make relationships with the athletes and with the coaches and to see them happy is all that really matters,” said Flynn. “It’s a lot of work for the volunteers to make everything happen, but it’s also emotionally uplifting. It really warms your heart to see these athletes in action.”
“Much of the Winter Games could not happen without the Eversource volunteers,” said Special Olympics Connecticut President Beau Doherty. “The athletes work so hard and really do look forward to these games all year. The Eversource volunteers not only put on a first-class event, but truly understand and care about each and every one of the athletes.”
2020 marks the 52nd anniversary of Special Olympics Connecticut. As a year-round partner sponsor of Special Olympics Connecticut and the presenting sponsor of its Winter Games, Eversource and its employee volunteers will be empowering the athletes expected to compete this Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing will take place at Eversource’s Windsor location at 1985 Blue Hills Avenue Extension (Route 187). Opening ceremonies, featuring the traditional parade of athletes, begin at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday. Alpine skiing, snowboarding, floor hockey, figure and speed skating and gymnastics events are scheduled at venues in Middlefield, East Hartford, Simsbury and Plainville. All events are free and open to the public.
For more information on Special Olympics Connecticut, visit
www.soct.org, and follow Special Olympics Connecticut and Eversource on Facebook and Twitter (#SOCTGames).
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