It’s the defining moment of any race: the final stride across the finish line. A culmination of countless hours of training and determination, and a celebration of the human spirit. At the Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games, Todd Larese gets a front row seat to the raw emotion when athletes cross that empowering threshold. 

“There’s just so much joy,” said Larese. “They are all in it to work hard, and they’re all in it together, regardless of if they’re racing against each other. We get to see all the emotion and excitement. We get the big hugs, the high fives. It’s amazing.” 

Larese is one of the course managers for the annual games at Eversource’s Windsor facility, and when athletes take their marks at the straight snowshoe course, he’ll be waiting at the finish line ready to cheer them on. From laying out the lanes to teaching a team of volunteers how to time the race, this pillar event of the games would not be possible without Larese’s commitment, organization, and leadership.

“I like volunteering because you can actually see how you’re impacting the community. There are so many dedicated volunteers who put in months of planning and effort to make the games possible, and I think for all of them, it’s seeing the athletes being able to perform, and seeing how it affects their lives that makes it so special.”

The South Windsor resident says that special connection is what has motivated him to return to his role for the past nine years. It’s an experience that’s even helped him in his new position at Eversource as Senior Project Manager for Right of Way Coordination.  

“My time volunteering with Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I’ve met new people through this organization and made friends along the way. I feel like once people start volunteering; they don’t stop, they keep coming back every year. And so do the athletes! We love seeing so many familiar faces.”

More than 100 athletes of all ages from across Connecticut will compete in snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating and more this Saturday and Sunday.

“The feeling at the finish line really encompasses what’s at the heart of the games: competition, sportsmanship, teamwork, and joy,” Larese said. “No matter the outcome, every one of these athletes is a champion and they should serve as an inspiration to us all.”