United Technologies Volunteers Get More Than They Give at Special Olympics Summer Games
UTC Celebrates 37 Years of Support for Special Olympics Connecticut
Skies were clear and sunny all weekend long as 2,450 athletes and coaches enjoyed their time to shine at the Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games.
UTC was the event’s presenting sponsor and also provided more than 500 volunteers to assist at the various events and competitions, which were held June 6-8 at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Conn. Overall, 510 coaches and 2,800 volunteers helped make the events in track and field, cycling, aquatics, tennis, soccer and gymnastics a success. This marks the 37th year that UTC has served as the title sponsor for the track and field segment of the Games.
Perhaps more familiar than most with the weekend’s efforts was Bob Gallipeau, Pratt & Whitney employee and UTC Special Olympics Committee Member. Gallipeau and his wife have been long-time volunteers at the event.
“I enjoy the friendships I have, between the athletes, the United Technologies Committee and the volunteers who come back every year to work with me,” said Gallipeau.
This year, Gallipeau served as venue director for both the pentathlon and the shot-put competitions and also installed fencing, hung banners and set up award areas during the wet weather days that preceded the Games. Storm-related challenges aside, Gallipeau remains an unwavering supporter of the Special Olympics and relishes the moments he shares with athletes.
“I had an athlete at shot-put, who won a gold medal with a 14.63-meter shot. When asked how he learned to throw that far, he walked over to me, put his arm around my shoulder and said, ‘This guy, many years ago, was my coach, and he showed me what to do,’” said Gallipeau. “It was very touching that he remembered.”
Click here to continue reading
About United Technologies Corporation
United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit its website at www.utc.com, or follow the company on Twitter @UTC. For more information on UTC’s commitment to the community, visit www.utc.com/makethingsbetter.
