Two Days of Golfing Excellence Drive Big Impact for Special Olympics New Hampshire and Community Partners
Thornton & Ashland, N.H. – August 21, 2025 – Owl’s Nest Resort played host to two incredible days of golf, community spirit, and life-changing generosity as supporters teed off in back-to-back tournaments benefiting Special Olympics New Hampshire and local first responder causes.
On Monday, August 18, the Collaborative Golf Tournament, presented by Service Credit Union, brought together 144 golfers in support of Special Olympics New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Police, Fire and EMS Foundation. The event united community members, businesses, and public safety leaders on the course for a day of competition and camaraderie that will have a lasting impact well beyond the greens.
That evening, the spotlight turned to the SO Cup, presented by Michels and Eversource Energy, with 144 participants lighting up the course for Glow Golf and a spirited Cornhole Challenge, where guests tested their skills against Special Olympics athletes. On Tuesday, August 19, the SO Cup tournament welcomed 244 golfers across both the Owl’s Nest Resort course in Thornton and the Vineyard Course in Ashland.
A Game-Changing Partnership with the Energy Industry
Special Olympics New Hampshire is proud to partner with leaders in the energy industry whose support fuels far more than the lights on the course. From financial contributions that sustain year-round athlete programs, to volunteer engagement that ensures events like the SO Cup come to life, to innovative projects that expand opportunities, the energy industry continues to be a game changer for the athletes and families SONH serves.
The SO Cup: A Game Changer
Now in its 5th year, the SO Cup has grown into Special Olympics New Hampshire’s second-largest fundraiser of the year. These dollars provide vital support for athletic training, health programming, and leadership opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities across New Hampshire.
Athletes at the Heart of It All
Sixteen Special Olympics New Hampshire athletes took part in the SO Cup, volunteering, greeting participants, and sharing their stories throughout the two days. Among them, Amanda Coviello, an athlete with the Capital Area Cougars, shared the exciting news of being selected to represent the Granite State in Unified Golf with her partner Steve Olsen, retired from the Manchester Police Department, at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis.
Another highlight came from Steve Sullivan, an athlete with Team Barrington, who shared his journey of turning a lifelong dream of being an athlete into reality through Special Olympics New Hampshire. Their voices, alongside the presence of their fellow athletes, reminded everyone why these events matter: they build opportunities, inclusion, and hope.
Gratitude on and off the Course
In addition to the transformative funds raised, the Collaborative Tournament amplified the strength of New Hampshire’s first responder community by channeling critical dollars to organizations that support police, fire, and EMS personnel.
“Events like these are game changers. The golfers, sponsors, and partners who showed up this week are making a real difference—not just on the course, but in the lives of the athletes and families we serve across New Hampshire.”
Special Olympics New Hampshire Chief Operating Officer, Bridget Carleton.
Special Olympics New Hampshire extends heartfelt thanks to presenting sponsors Service Credit Union, Michels, and Eversource Energy, along with the many businesses, volunteers, and individuals who gave their time and support. From the golfers who teed off at the start of the day to the volunteers who stayed late to make Glow Golf and Cornhole a success, every participant helped create something bigger than golf: a stronger, more inclusive community.
As the last putts fell and the final scores were tallied, one thing was clear—when a community comes together with purpose, everyone wins.
