Recreation Services
Recreation Services
Recreation Services encourages personal growth and builds relationships through involvement in a variety of social events, classes, and physical activities.
Supported activities include the ARI Artists Initiative Classes, Aqua-Aerobics, Dinner Dances, Vacations, Bocce, Trips to Watch Local Sporting Events including the Bridgeport Islanders, Monthly Dinners, and much more. Members of ARI participate in community recreational groups including Challenged People in Motion Golf, Darien YMCA Funbusters, Special Olympics (including swimming, snow shoeing, bowling, and track & field), and much more. ARI also facilitates vacations including overnight stays at nearby destinations and week-long vacations.
This month’s Recreation Calendar:
December, 2025
To sign up for any of the following recreation activities, please contact Gerard Gasparino, [email protected]. RSVP required for all activities.
Aqua Aerobics will continue on Wednesdays in December at the Darien YMCA from 6:15-7:15pm. The class will exercise in the pool each Wednesday during the Fall/Winter months. All attendees must register by contacting Gerard Gasparino. Note that there will be no class on Wednesday, December 24th and 31st. Also, note that the Special Needs locker room will be closed for the remainder of the year. During this time there will be a temporary locker room for those needing assistance from a different sex staff.
Art Class will take place on Monday, December 1st and Monday, December 15th. Participants will create arts and crafts, led by two new volunteers. Class will be open to all interested. Space is limited. Contact Gerard Gasparino for more information.
The Annual Stamford Police Holiday Party will take place on Friday, December 12th from 11:00-2:00pm at the Yerwood Center (Across from ARI on West Main Street). There will be lunch and dancing with presents given out by the Stamford Police. There is no cost to attend. Please note that this party is only for ARI consumers. Contact Gerard Gasparino to RSVP.
See below for more information on two great shows at ACT of Connecticut in Ridgefield, as well as the date and time of their Sensory Friendly performances free to individuals.
Disney’s FROZEN: Sunday, February 22, 2026-2pm
DEAR EVAN HANSEN: Sunday, May 24, 2026-2pm
Email [email protected] for information on how to register.
Special Olympics Bowling began practicing in September on Saturday mornings at 9am at Nutmeg Bowl in Fairfield. Please contact Gerard Gasparino at [email protected] if you are interested or have questions.
***Check out what’s going on in Stamford at http://stamford-downtown.com/what-to-do/events/
***Please note that the following programs offer Special Olympics. If interested please contact.
ARI offers Bocce in the Summer. If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Gerard Gasparino
Darien Lions, Kera Connolly, [email protected]. Sports include: aquatics, bowling, powerlifting, sailing, snowshoeing, tennis and cross country skiing.
Greenwich Special Olympics, James Warner, [email protected]. Sports include: aquatics, track and Field, figure skating, golf and speed skating.
Stamford YMCA, Pat Fervil, [email protected]. Sports include: basketball, bowling and soccer.
Special Olympics of Norwalk, Olivia Skiffington, [email protected]. Sports include: track and field, bowling, floor hockey and volleyball.
For more information regarding recreation services or to sign up for activities, contact Gerard Gasparino, Associate Director of Development & Program Support at (203) 324-9258 ext. 3023, or e-mail [email protected].
ARI of Connecticut, Inc.
174 Richmond Hill Ave
Stamford, CT 06902
Phone: (203) 324-9258
Fax: (203) 324-3949
Business Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: CLOSED
Donations to ARI of Connecticut ensure that we can fulfill our mission of enriching the lives of people with disabilities and their families by enabling them to achieve their fullest potential at home, at work, and in the community.