EP's "Joey" Connors Lights Olympic Torch

East Providence resident Joe Connors is about to turn 50 years old this year. So is the Special Olympics program that Joe and his Mom, Barbara Connors, of Rumford, RI have been involved in. For most, if not all of these past 50 years, Barbara Connors has been a supporter and valuable organizer of Special Olympics in Rhode Island (SORI). This past weekend, SORI celebrated 50 years of existence.

"SORI is one of the most innovative and dynamic sports organizations in the state," said Barbara Connors. "SORI provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for more than 3,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Joey has been around for all of these past 50 years. It is kind of nice that we have Joey and SORI kind of celebrating 50 years together," said Barbara Connors after the events this weekend. "Joe is very special to all of us," said his brother, Kevin Connors. "The family is so impressed with his longevity and zest for life. Every day having him here is a gift," said Connors.

This year, Joe Connors lit the Special Olympics torch at the games opening ceremonies. The Reporter met up with Joe after the events and asked him how he liked the weekend program including the Billy Gilman concert. "I had a ball. I loved it all," said the soon to be 50 year old Joey Connors.

Many others from East Providence were involved including East Providence Police Officer Tammy David and her son Cote. "Congratulations on your medals," Officer David told her son Cote who proudly displayed them for admiring onlookers.

Rhode Island currently has over 3,500 athletes involved in more than 1,600 training and athletic competition opportunities in 21 different sports.