Special Olympics Connecticut Bocce Competition Returns To West Haven: PHOTOS

Written by Michael P. Walsh

WEST HAVEN, CT — Nearly 300 athletes competed in the Special Olympics Connecticut Unified Sports Fall Festival Bocce Competition at the city’s Old Grove Park courts Saturday, Sept. 19.

The bocce tournament, presented by the Mohegan Tribe, showcased Special Olympics athletes from several teams statewide, including West Haven, Hamden, North Haven, Cheshire and Manchester.

At 9 a.m., the opening ceremony commenced on the grounds of the historic seaside park and included a presentation of the colors by the West Haven Fire Department Honor Guard and the singing of the national anthem by West Haven High School senior Sophia Martineau.

It also included remarks by Mayor Dorinda Borer, master of ceremonies Michelle Caprio, and Special Olympics Connecticut President and CEO Michael Mason and Senior Director of Organizational Development Katie Dennett.

The ceremony was attended by Councilman Gary Donovan, D-4, and players from the Connecticut Clippers’ squirt A hockey team.

Borer thanked Special Olympics Connecticut for organizing the bocce competition and selecting West Haven as the host site for the third year in a row.

Before welcoming the hundreds of athletes and their families to West Haven, Borer thanked the event’s sponsors, including Riva Bar & Restaurant and Stop & Shop of West Haven. The mayor also thanked the many volunteers and the city’s Fire and Police departments for participating, along with the competing athletes.

“You’re all winners to us,” Borer said. “Team West Haven, bring it home for us!”

The mayor received a glass-encased Unified Sports Fall Festival medal and plaque from Mason and Dennett for serving as a supporting sponsor and host site.

Borer then gave a special shoutout to Riva, represented by co-owners Michael Delvecchio and Stefano Coletta.

Riva hosted its inaugural Riva Gives Back Golf Tournament in July, raising more than $12,000 to support Special Olympics Connecticut athletes.

“We love you and appreciate everything you do for our city,” Borer said of Riva.

As DJ Steve Gourdier played John Williams’ “Olympic Fanfare and Theme,” torchbearer Sean DelGreco of the Team North Haven bocce team carried the “flame of hope” into the venue with West Haven Police Chief Joseph S. Perno.

“Many thanks to the town of West Haven, including Savin Rock, the Knights of Columbus, the Connecticut Elks Association and so many others who have come out this weekend to be with us,” Caprio said. “I wish you all the best of luck — let the Games begin!”

West Haven’s six bocce courts were donated and constructed by Special Olympics Connecticut for the Special Olympics World Games bocce competition in July 1995.

Other Special Olympics competitions were also held across the state, including golf in Hamden and softball in East Hartford.

Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for over 12,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and Unified Sports partners — their teammates without disabilities.

Through the joy of sport, the Special Olympics movement transforms lives and communities statewide and in 190 countries worldwide by promoting good health and fitness and inspiring inclusion and respect for people of all abilities, on and off the playing field.

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer, third from right, and members of Team West Haven wave team flags during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Connecticut Unified Sports Fall Festival Bocce Competition at the city’s Old Grove Park courts Saturday, Sept. 19. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer, third from right, and members of Team West Haven wave team flags during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Connecticut Unified Sports Fall Festival Bocce Competition at the city’s Old Grove Park courts Saturday, Sept. 19. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Michelle Caprio, the master of ceremonies, delivers opening remarks. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven High School senior Sophia Martineau sings the national anthem to the crowd, which includes players from the Connecticut Clippers’ squirt A hockey team. (City Photos/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer receives a glass-encased Unified Sports Fall Festival “host site” medal and plaque from Special Olympics Connecticut President and CEO Michael Mason, left, and Special Olympics Hamden athlete Peter Klein, Special Olympics Connecticut’s global messenger. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer welcomes athletes and their families to historic Old Grove Park. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Riva Bar & Restaurant co-owner Michael Delvecchio, with son Teo, 2, and co-owner Stefano Coletta, far right, receive a glass-encased Unified Sports Fall Festival “gold sponsor” medal and plaque from Special Olympics Connecticut President and CEO Michael Mason, left, and Special Olympics Hamden athlete Peter Klein, Special Olympics Connecticut’s global messenger. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven Police Chief Joseph S. Perno helps torchbearer Sean DelGreco of the Team North Haven bocce team carry in the “flame of hope.” (City Photos/Michael P. Walsh)

A Special Olympics Connecticut athlete throws a bocce ball during the bocce competition at the Old Grove Park courts. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)