Laurie-Jean Hannon of North Haven, Connecticut, first became involved with Special Olympics in 1971 as a spectator and family member. From there, she would serve as a coach, local coordinator, area coordinator and staff member. In 2019, she retired as the vice president of sports from Special Olympics Connecticut. In the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, she will represent Special Olympics USA as a sport manager. This will be her 14th time attending a Special Olympics World Games, her first being the Special Olympics World Winter Games Vermont 1981. In 2017 and 2019, she attended the World Games as a sport manger.
Laurie-Jean served as the treasurer of North Haven for 10 years and currently serves as the registrar of voters. She is a member of the board of directors for a local chapter of The Arc, working to promote and protect the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A proud grandmother to eight grandchildren, Laurie-Jean spends much time with her family and greatly admires her 97-year-old mother and 94-year-old aunt, who both raised children with special needs. Representing Special Olympics USA once again, she is honored to work with athletes, coaches and staff from across the country and around the world.