Democrats vs. Republicans in Charity Kickball Classic

May 2, 2023

DEMOCRATS VS. REPUBLICANS IN SECOND ANNUAL CGA KICKBALL CLASSIC IS ON!

Proceeds benefit the Q Fund and the Sarah Foundation

Democrats and Republicans of the Connecticut General Assembly put politics aside on May 1, to have some fun and raise money for two great causes, in memory of two legislators who died too soon, Rep. Quentin "Q" Williams and former Rep. Noreen Kokoruda. Funds were raised for the Q Fund through the Community Foundation of Middlesex County and the SARAH Foundation.

In its second year, the kickball classic can be credited to two Democratic House members, State Representative Corey Paris (D-Stamford) and State Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw (D-Avon/Canton).

"I wanted to find ways to build community across party lines, and Representative Kavros DeGraw is always in to cause good trouble - so this was born from that," said Rep. Paris.

"As usual, Representative Paris told me he had an idea, and I was just going to love it. That idea was kickball, and he was right, I did love it, and frankly, so did everyone else," said Rep. Kavros DeGraw

The "Kickball Caucus" is led by Representatives Paris and Kavros DeGraw, as well as State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-Beacon Falls/Derby/Seymour) and State Representative Joe Polletta (R-Waterbury/Watertown).

"Connecticut legislators have always come together to support good causes and raise money for charities that are close to our hearts, and even though we have to be on opposing teams we're all here to honor the memories of two incredible friends and colleagues," Rep. Klarides-Ditria said. "Noreen and Q will always be in our hearts, and with the donations raised, they continue to make a lasting impact on the communities they so selflessly served."

"Politics and sports have a lot in common and while we all enjoy a healthy legislative debate or friendly competition on the kickball field, as Connecticut legislators we truly love working together to make our state better, especially in memory of Q and Noreen who cared so deeply about the people in their districts," Rep. Polletta said. "I miss my friends but can't help but appreciate that their legacy of sacrifice continues to inspire and raise money to support others."

"The goal of the game is for Republicans and Democrats to get outside and play a friendly game of kickball to remember that at the end of the day, we may fight, but we are one big family at the CGA," said Rep. Kavros DeGraw. "Last year, you could really feel the shift in the building afterward in terms of collegiality across the aisle."

The Republicans retained their title from last year, winning the game 7-1.

 

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