Celebrating Community, Inclusion, and Impact
A Look Back at the 2025 Cornhole Classic & Champions Together Breakfast
Last week, the Special Olympics New Hampshire community came together for two extraordinary events that showcased the heart of our mission and the strength of the SONH family. From the high-energy competition of the Cornhole Classic to the powerful stories shared at the Champions Together Breakfast, both gatherings highlighted what’s possible when athletes, partners, volunteers, and supporters unite in the name of inclusion.
Competition, Camaraderie & Community
On Thursday, November 20th, the NH Sportsplex in Bedford was filled with friendly rivalries, loud cheers, and nonstop energy as teams gathered for the annual Cornhole Classic—presented by Enviro Arbor Solutions, Eversource Energy, and MTV Solutions.
The day kicked off with a riveting cornhole tournament featuring a special appearance by former hockey players Kevin Stevens and Ray Bourque, whose participation brought excitement and inspiration to athletes and tournament participants alike. Throughout the day, teams enjoyed opportunities to network, reconnect, and immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of inclusion that defines our movement.
The event also featured a lively raffle and auction, plus the anticipated first pull of our Cash Dash Raffle—adding an extra dose of fun and celebration.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our Hospitality Sponsors:
IBEW Local 104, IBEW Local 42, and Mid-Con Energy Service.
To every participant, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter—thank you for making this day a success and for championing opportunities for Special Olympics athletes across New Hampshire.
Stories That Inspire, A Mission That Unites
The following morning, on Friday, November 21st, the Armory at the DoubleTree in Manchester filled with almost 600 guests for our Champions Together Breakfast, presented by Sunbelt Rentals and Eversource Energy. In just one hour, attendees were moved by an extraordinary lineup of stories that captured the spirit of the Special Olympics movement and the life-changing impact happening right here in New Hampshire.
Athlete Taylor Baxter opened the morning with a beautiful performance of the National Anthem, setting the tone for what would be a powerful and emotional program.
Thomas Cantara, Special Olympics athlete and World Marathon Majors finisher, shared his remarkable journey—from his first swim meet in 1999, to transforming himself through training, to becoming the first Special Olympics athlete (and the second person with autism) to ever win a marathon. His reflections on perseverance, community, and inclusion reminded every guest what our mission makes possible.
We then heard from Mark Duggan, champion of SONH, former Nike executive, and former SONH board member, who has supported Thomas throughout his running journey. Mark spoke about Thomas’ global impact on inclusive sport, the growing recognition of athletes with intellectual disabilities in major races, and how belief and opportunity can open doors once thought impossible. Guests also received a special video message from legendary marathoner Bill Rodgers, offering congratulations to Thomas and encouragement to all.
Hockey legend Ray Bourque spoke about his own connection to SONH and the lessons he’s learned from our athletes—about resilience, joy, and what it truly means to be a champion.
Our COO, Bridget Carleton, brought the full picture of our mission to life with a powerful and deeply personal message. She shared how Special Olympics shaped her from childhood, and how she now sees that same sense of belonging transforming lives across the state. Bridget reminded us that while we are a sports organization, we are also so much more: We are wellness. We are inclusion. We are community.
And athlete leader Brendon Zinck highlighted the incredible work of the Athlete Leadership Council, including their impact-driven Warm Boots, Warm Hearts project, building community and supporting those in need.
We extend our deep gratitude to our Gold Sponsors for helping make the morning possible:
East Coast Power LLC, Service Credit Union, and Woodstock Power Company.
Thank you to every attendee, supporter, volunteer, and partner who made the Champions Together Breakfast a morning to remember.
These events remind us of who we are as a community:
A movement that believes in possibility.
A family that shows up for one another.
A team that celebrates every victory, big or small.
Across both days, we saw firsthand the joy, courage, and belonging that define the Special Olympics mission. We saw athletes stepping into their power, supporters stepping forward with generosity, and a community that continues to grow stronger with every connection made.
To everyone who joined us—thank you for helping create two unforgettable events and for ensuring that inclusion remains at the heart of New Hampshire.
We can’t wait to see where the momentum takes us next.