Bethel Special Olympian Wins Big In Berlin, Honored With Parade

BETHEL, CT — A Bethel resident who won medals in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany has been recognized in her hometown

Bethel honored Kelly Schneider with a parade on Friday, organized by Bethel first responders. The parade stepped off from the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department and marched to the Municipal Center, where Schneider was presented with a citation by members of the state legislative delegation, State Rep. Martin Foncello (R-107) and State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28).

The Bethel resident, 27, has been involved with New Milford Special Olympics for 17 years, according to Special Olympics USA. This was the first time the group, with about 50 members, competed internationally.

Previously, Schneider competed in basketball, bowling, cycling, cross country skiing and softball. In Germany, she represented Special Olympics USA in bowling.

Schneider earned a fifth-place ribbon in the singles competition; she and Ashford-resident Deborah Albers won a bronze medal in the doubles competition; and a gold medal in the teams competition, bowling with athletes from Connecticut and Massachusetts.

"Kelly’s accomplishments on an international stage representing the United States of America are inspiring to all of us," said Hwang. "Her commitment and dedication to showcasing her abilities and representing our country has made Bethel proud. She truly is a role model, and we also recognize Kelly’s family for their active community involvement in Special Olympics. It really does ‘take a village’ in the form of community support in order for inspiring success stories like Kelly’s to become reality."

In 2015, Schneider was recognized with an award for her demonstration of sportsmanship from the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference. In 2021, she received the Bud Meyers Award from Special Olympics Connecticut for inspiring her fellow athletes to do their best.