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Local Voices

Vista Member Wins Silver Medal in Special Olympic National Games

While many Vista students and members participated and took home medals in the Special Olympics Games in Connecticut, one Vista member went all the way to the final round of the 2014 Special Olympics National Games in Princeton, New Jersey. Gordon Ewen, a proud member of Connecticut’s volleyball team, took home a silver medal in the national competition. Gordon has been participating in the Special Olympics for 24 years. He plays in the Connecticut Games every season except for when he’s playing in the National Games- there is not enough time to prepare for both. This was his second time going to the National Games. He has also competed in volleyball at the International Games when they were in Minneapolis and St. Paul in 1991.

 

Gordon became interested in volleyball after observing a number of games and enjoying himself once he decided to try it out for himself. Spiking the ball is his favorite part of the game and is an area in which he has improved significantly. Currently, Gordon plays basketball and track and field in addition to volleyball and has competed in cross country skiing, soccer, tennis and golf in the past.

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Gordon received the game ball from his coach after this year’s national match for his outstanding efforts and contributions to the team. His favorite part of participating in the Special Olympics is the level of competition and the opportunity to make new friends. Gordon wears the #2 each time he competes, in honor of his two heroes that wore the same number, Derek Jeter (New York Yankees) and Brian Leetch (New York Rangers).

 

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Based in Madison and Westbrook, CT, Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center is a 501©3 nonprofit organization.  Vista’s mission is “Providing services and resources to assist individuals with disabilities achieve personal success.”

 

For more information regarding Vista, please visit www.vistavocational.org

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