Norwalk Special Olympian to be honored

Shawn D'Acunto, of Norwalk, will be honored at the Special Olympics Connecticut Hall of Fame Dinner - Celebrating 45 Years of Memories on Wednesday, March 20 at the Aqua Turf Country Club, Plantsville. The annual Hall of Fame event honors extraordinary athletes, volunteers and supporters who demonstrate leadership, spirit and selflessness, inspire joy through sport and promote inclusion and respect for individuals of all abilities. Tickets, which must be reserved in advance, are $25.00 per person and may be obtained by calling 203-230-1201, ext. 276 or emailing kellib@soct.org. Registration will begin at 5 p.m.; the program at 6 p.m.

Shawn D'Acunto will receive the Spirit of Life Award, which is given to an athlete who exemplifies the true meaning of Special Olympics.

D'Acunto joined the Norwalk Special Olympics Team in 1998. He participates in athletics and the pentathlon, plays on the Unified Sports® volleyball team and is the goalie for the Norwalk Unified Floor Hockey team.. D'Acunto has also participated in the Unified Sports® soccer program as a student at the New Canaan Country School.

D'Acunto is known for being outgoing and for giving "high-fives" to his teammates -- someone who "strives to win, but is also gracious to his competitors and satisfied with a good effort," coach Mark Kurimai said. "He dedicates himself to his training and working hard and has won gold medals in all of his sports," he added.