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news

 

Sound Tigers’ mascot Storm recently got back to his feline roots by spending the day as an “alley” cat.  However, this wasn’t just any alley, it was an Olympic Alley.  With the Beijing Olympics just a few days away, the real games were taking place last weekend in Norwalk for the 1st Annual Norwalk Community Bowling Tournament, a fundraiser presented by the Norwalk Police Officers. Storm was on hand to root for the twelve Special Olympians, as well as support their efforts in raising money for the organization.

Although there to cheer, it was clear Storm had an itch to bowl but everyone was unsure as to how a tiger could accomplish such a feat.

Like most mascots, Storm loves sports. But as a tiger, his paws just do not fit into the three holes in a bowling ball, making it tough for him to grasp.

Matthew Stieglitz can relate to Storm, his new bowling partner, as he too, cannot fit his fingers into the holes of the bowling ball. As a Special Olympic bowler, whose family has been involved with the Games for the past five years, Matt has adapted to the sport by use of a bowling ramp.

Matt knew how he could help Storm, leading him over to his lane where he showed him how to drop the bowling ball down a steep metal ramp. The two teamed up to knock over seven pins on their first try. After the fallen pins had been swept away, they knocked over two more, just one shy of a spare. Matt had shown Storm how to overcome his limitations in order to compete like everyone else, which, after all, is what the Special Olympics are all about.

The mission statement of the Special Olympics calls for “continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.” By sharing his skills and creating a new friendship with Storm, Matt demonstrated just that by helping Storm succeed at the bowling.

This touching interaction was a special treat for both Olympian and tiger alike. Matt is considered one, if not the biggest Sound Tiger fan.  Every home game he watches his favorites players take the ice from his seat on the glass right next to the penalty box in section 105. Although he has the prime location to see where the team’s enforcers spend their time, Matt’s favorite part of hockey is when the home team scores a goal.

The Sound Tigers have long shared a close relationship with the Special Olympics of Connecticut. This may have been a first time event, but is hardly the first Special Olympics gathering that Storm and the team have been involved in.

“Each year the Sound Tigers host an event with the Bridgeport Police to help raise money for the Special Olympics,” Sound Tigers Director of Community Relations, Shane Beardsley said. “Special Olympians have also appeared at the Arena at Harbor Yard for a speed skating exhibition, and often attend games in order to fundraise.”

Debbie Horne, Director of Development for Special Olympics of the Connecticut Southwest Region, coordinated the Community Bowling Tournament as well as many other Special Olympics fundraisers and events.

She spoke about the Sound Tigers’ past work with the Games. “We’ve worked with the Sound Tigers on a lot of different events and programs. They are great. We love having Storm come out to all our different events. He makes our athletes smile. It adds a lot of extra joy to the occasion.”

One such event is the annual “Penguin Plunge,” where groups of people gather at beaches throughout Connecticut on cold winter days and submerge themselves in the icy water, all in the name of Special Olympics fundraising.

Storm himself has never quite made the transition from tiger to penguin, but last winter was at Compo Beach in Westport to cheer on those willing to take the plunge.

“If someone wants to help out, there are so many ways,” said Horne, “They can volunteer. They can help us run our competitions. They can help the athletes and make sure they are at their events. Hand out medals, that sort of thing. They can get involved with a fundraising event.”

For more information on Special Olympics events, and other events, that Storm and the Sound Tigers will be at, visit the Community Events Calendar.