The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Club 24 keeps Special Olympics athletes strong
TORRINGTON — The Connecticut Department of Developmental Services has been collaborating with Special Olympics Connecticut for many years, and for the last three years, athletes have been collaborating with Unified Sports® Fitness Clubs. Locally, that support and training comes from Club 24 at 992 East Main St., Torrington.
James Louchen, an advocate coordinator with DDS in the Torrington area, is also the head coach for this collaboration, which brings people with and without intellectual disabilities together and gives them an opportunity to have regular physical activity, outside of competition. Members say it enhances their fitness and inspires friendships.
Torrington’s Special Olympics athletes are led by Don Conklin, Special Olympics Connecticut Coordinator of the fitness club; Patrick Hyres, a family support staff member at DDS who transports the athletes to and from events; and Katy Pergola, a support professional who helps the athletes fill out their applications and coordinate competition event dates.
“Special Olympics Connecticut has created great opportunities
for our club to stay fit,” Pergola said in a written statement. “The DDS Torrington Special Olympics Unified Sports® Fitness Club has received grants from the Susan Saint James Fund and Knights of Columbus ... to purchase team sweatshirts and gym memberships for our club members.”
Recently, Club 24 in Torrington provided the athletes with free memberships.
“Our members are beyond grateful for their generosity,” Pergola said. “Bobby Castelot, general manager at Club 24 has played a big role and continues to be a wonderful supporter. Bobby has rooted for our fitness club to be a part of Club 24 since the first day we walked in. He was very kind and patient, setting up our memberships and answering all our questions.”
Club 24 was presented with a Special Olympics Unified Sports Fitness Club official Fitness Destination banner for its support of the program.
“We would like to send a big thank you to Club 24 owner Ed Fogarty,” Pergola said. “Our memberships are a blessing.”
To learn more about Club 24, visit the website at https://www.club24torrington.com/.