Alesia Williams Wigan was the founding member of Ridgefield Special Olympics. Alesia, a Ridgefield native, saw the need for a team after participating in Special Olympics CT for fifteen years. She started the team in 2002 with the help of Belinda Pruyne, another Ridgefield native, with ten athletes. Alesia was also a big fundraiser with Phil Goldberg, who participated in the annual Penguin Plunges. The team grew over the years, and Alesia left her position in 2012 and passed Local Coordinator to Susan Mulvaney. In 2024, the Ridgefield team has 60 athletes and 50 volunteers, including unified partners and coaches. We have increased the sports offered to include swimming, bowling, cycling & track!
Susan Mulvaney has been the local coordinator since 2012. She lives in Ridgefield with her husband Jim, where their three children were raised. Her daughter Meaghan has been on the SO team since its inception. Her sons Jimmy and Sean have been involved as volunteers since the beginning to support their sister. When Alesia left, Susan took over the position because of the positive effect the organization had on not only her family but all families. Special Olympics has created lasting friendships and support for all families with special needs.