Reps. Betts, Pavalock-D’Amato Welcome Special Olympics Athletes to State Capitol

HARTFORD – State Representatives Whit Betts (R-78) and Cara Pavalock-D’Amato (R-77) attended a send-off rally for Special Olympics athletes that will be competing in the Special Olympics 2018 USA Games hosted by Seattle, Washington, in July.

Betts and Pavalock-D’Amato were joined by legislative colleagues, welcoming the athletes, coaches, and supporters to the State Capitol, and sharing words of encouragement to the men and women that will be representing Connecticut in the national competition.

“Thank you to the athletes, unified partners, and coaches for coming to the State Capitol and share your energy and enthusiasm with us! Congratulations to all of the athletes who will go on to represent Connecticut this summer. We know you will all do an excellent job and make us proud,” said Rep. Betts.

“To be an athlete takes hard work, determination, and sacrifice. I’m so proud of all of the athletes who’ve worked so hard to make it to the USA Games this year, and I wish them the best of luck in their competitions. We’re particularly proud of Dale Akerley from Bristol, and we’re cheering him and his team on,” added Rep. Pavalock-D’Amato.

Following the rally, Betts and Pavalock-D’Amato met with Bristol resident Dale Akerley, the Unified Sports Partner of Special Olympics Athlete Anthony Thibeault of Southington, congratulating them on their accomplishments and wishing them well in Seattle. Akerley and Thibeault will compete in Unified Golf.

(Pictured L-R: Coach Kevin Smith, West Hartford, Athlete Anthony Thibeault, Southington, State Rep. Whit Betts, Unified Partner Dale Akerley, Bristol, and State Rep. Cara Pavalock-D’Amato.)

More than 4,000 athletes and Unified Sports partners from all 50 states will be competing. The 2018 USA Games will also celebrate Special Olympics’ 50th anniversary.

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