Community Corner

Going Over The Edge For Special Olympics At Mohegan Sun

A small crowd gathered on the lawn outside the hotel at Mohegan Sun on Thursday, watching as people rappelled down 34 stories of glass facade.

The event marked the third annual "Over The Edge" event to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut. About 30 people participated, suiting up in helmets and harnesses to make the journey.

Debbie Horne, director of communications and marketing for Special Olympics Connecticut, said participants raise at least $1,000 each to take part. She said the Special Olympics have hosted similar rappelling events across the country, but that the Connecticut one is a more recent development of the organization's partnership with Mohegan Sun. She said there will also be a similar event at the Infinity Building in Stamford on Sept. 12.

"People seem to enjoy it, people who have never rappelled before," she said.

Cathy Soper, public relations manager at Mohegan Sun, said the hotel usually closes down the rooms that participants will be passing by. 

"I'm not brave enough to do down myself, but I donate every year," she said.

Brian Drexler, a Special Olympics athlete and global messenger, said he attends such fundraisers to discuss his experiences as an athlete with participants. Like Soper, he also hasn't gone over the edge.

"I'm more of a watcher," he joked.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here