Local Singer Kicks Off Hall Of Fame Dinner

March 17, 2010 by John Rook

The Special Olympics of Connecticut remains one of the most popular events in the state, giving special needs athletes from around the region the opportunity to compete against and join with one another under the unifying umbrella of sport.
One of the most anticipated events surrounding the special olympics each year is the Special Olympics Connecticut Hall Of Fame dinner, where past and present competitors and organizers are honored. It brings together some of the more influential people in the state and, this year, a Cheshire voice helped kick things off.
Allison McAlinden, 11, a fifth grader at Doolittle School, sang the National Anthem before the dinner last week, which was held at the Aqua Turf Country Club in Plantsville. It is estimated that over 1,000 people were in attendance, making it one of the largest crowds in front of which the young singer has ever performed.
“I am excited,” said McAlinden on Tuesday night, a few days before her performance. “I always am more excited than nervous. I have never really had any stage fright.”
Despite her young age, McAlinden has been singing since before she can remember, stating that she first began when she was only 2 years old. Since then, she has practiced to ensure that both her voice and technique would mature in the proper way, and she has been so successful that the youngster has already amassed an impressive list of performing credits.
Last year, McAlinden took to the stage for the first time in Cheshire Youth Theatre's production of “The Wizard of Oz” and, later on, she was chosen out of 200 students from around the state to sing “America the Beautiful” at the Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament in New Haven.
McAlinden is also no stranger to Special Olympics events, having sung at last year's Sports Fall Festival Competition Opening Ceremony and the Connecticut Holiday Sports Classic Bowling Competition Opening Ceremony.
“I have done some things for them in the past. They knew me,” said McAlinden.
It was not the first time McAlinden has sung the National Anthem, but she admits that, leading up to he dinner's performance, she had been practicing, although she prefers to do such singing in private.
“I like to do it all alone with no one else around,” she said, laughing. “That way, it can be kind of a surprise for everyone, even my family and friends.”
After McAlinden treated the large crowd to a soaring rendition of the anthem, awards were presented to a host of individuals who helped support the Special Olympics over the years.
Handling MC duties was NBC Channel 30 Meteorologist Brad Fields and Senior Political Reporter Tom Monahan.
“I was approached about doing it about two months ago and I said yes right away,” explained McAlinden. “I really like the Special Olympics.”
McAlinden explained that, while she enjoys performing in general, helping to kick off one of the most popular events associated with the Special Olympics was especially meaningful, considering how much respect she has for the competition.
“It is just great to see people with disabilities being able to do things that everyone else can do,” she commented. “It means a lot to be able to be a part of that.”
As for the future, McAlinden hopes to have the opportunity to continue to perform in front of large audiences, as her passion for singing is much more than a hobby.
“I want to continue to do it. I love being on stage and acting and singing, and it is something I want to be able to do more of,” she said.