Fairfield Family to Be Recognized by Special Olympics in March

A Fairfield family will be honored by the Connecticut chapter of the Special Olympics next month, according to a release from the organization.

The Keenoy family -- parents Pete and Beth and their three children Kathleen, Lauren, and Timothy -- will be recognized at the Special Olympics Hall of Fame Dinner at the Aqua Turf Country Club in Plantsville on Wednesday, March 20.

The Keenoys will receive the Eunice Murtha Award, an honor bestowed upon an individual or family who, through philanthropic means, has made a significant impact on the Special Olympics organizaiton.

“We are glad to pitch in and help because my family believes that Special Olympics is a wonderful organization that does great work,” Pete Keenoy said. Keenoy first became involved in the Special Olympics movement when his younger sister became an athlete with the Special Olympics Massachusetts program.

For nearly 15 years Keenoys have volunteered at the Special Olympics Connecticut games. During the Summer Games, the Keenoys assist as athlete escorts and with the field events. At Winter Games, they help out at the floor hockey competition and volunteer at bowling during the Holiday Sports Classic.

The family's commitment to supporting the games each year and the Keenoy's knowledge of proper scoring rules as well as their familiarity with the athletes and coaches help ensure the games run smoothly and successfully.

The Keenoys also financially support Special Olympics Connecticut each year.

Those who wish to attend the Hall of Fame Dinner to support the Keenoys and Special Olympics Connecticut can reserve $25 tickets in advance by calling 203-230-1201, ext. 276 or by emailing kellib@soct.org. Registration for the dinner begins at 5 p.m. on March 20 and the event starts at 6 p.m.