Derrick Ford of East Haven coaches athletics, basketball and softball for the Special Olympics Seaside Saybrook local program. He was inducted into the Special Olympics Connecticut Hall of Fame and received the Coach of the Year Award in 2017. Ford became involved with Special Olympics when a client of his, an athlete who played basketball, invited him to help out at a practice. He says he’s proud to be part of Special Olympics because of the love and family that the organization has created and how it provides everyone with a chance to “grow and experience life.” “Special Olympics has changed me for the better. I see so many great things in people and less negative,” says Ford. He credits his parents for teaching him respect and loyalty and to “treat people like you would want to be treated.” When he’s not participating in Special Olympics, Ford enjoys helping out his neighbors with yardwork and various tasks.